A substantial literature on the female status offender maintains that juvenile justice is discriminatory. It censures the sexually active girl, while turning a blind eye to the promiscuous boy. Less is known about the law's response to girls whose behaviour is criminal by adult standards. This article compares the treat ment of young males and females charged with criminal offences in South Australia. The relationship observed between the work ings of the justice system and the sex of the offender is found to be a complex one, mediated by a range of legal, social and demo graphic factors.
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