Punishment in the Community — Seven Years on

Abstract

This article takes the form of a response to the National Centre for Socio-Legal Studies’ evaluation of the Victorian Youth Attendance Order. Referring to previous research which has warned of the dangers of up-tariffing, lack of purpose, custodial jeopardy and the re-offending rates found in similar high-tariff community orders in England and elsewhere, it is noted that whilst by some criteria such orders may be considered a ‘success’, their place in the sentencing hierarchy and their vulnerability to political exigencies remain key matters of concern. The article underlines the point (by drawing upon international comparisons) that juvenile justice reform does not simply take place in some depoliticised, managerial or technical realm, but is contingent on broader political agendas and priorities.