Abstract
As the US reins in the punitive excesses in juvenile justice with encouraging changes, it may be tempting to herald a new era of progressive reform. This article contends that such optimism may be premature, and identifies three persistent problems within the US juvenile justice system, which left unexamined, promise to perpetuate a ‘punitive legacy’ that will impede progressive change. The ideology of ‘callous self-sufficiency’, ongoing neglect of youth welfare and human rights, and the logic of risk management and cost-effectiveness each encourage harmful practices, and they work individually and collectively to create a climate inhospitable to lasting progressive transformation.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
