Say whether these statements are true or false.

1. There are no arrests of juveniles in the USA.
2. The rate of crime in early 1990-s was higher than it is now.
3. The most serious problems facing children are drugs and crime.
4. More crimes are committed by young females than young males.
5. There are no youth gangs in the USA.
6. Operational Cease-fire is the name of a fire-brigade.
7. One of the strategies of Operational Cease-fire program is deterrence.
8. Operational Cease-fire program helps gang members when they seek rehabilitation.

Answer the questions on the text.

1. When was the rise of juvenile violent crime in America?
2. What are the most serious problems facing children in the USA?
3. Who are most of juvenile crimes committed by?
4. What is another serious problem in most US cities?
5. Which is the highest priority for the police?
6. What is Operational Cease-fire?
7. What are the main strategies of Operational Cease-fire?
8. How does the program deal with gang members?
9. Has the program been a success?

 

ADDITIONAL TEXT

THE DEVELOPMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE

The idea that children should be treated differently from adults originated in the common law in the chancery courts of England. The common law had long prescribed that children under seven years of age were incapable of felonious intent and were therefore not criminally responsible. Children aged 7 to 14 could be held accountable only if it could be shown that they understood the consequences of their actions.

The English chancery courts, established during the Middle Ages, heard only civil cases, mainly, concerning property. At this time the criminal courts, not a separate juvenile court, dealt with juvenile offenders.

The earliest attempt to deal with problem children was passage of Massachusetts Stubbora Child Law in 1646. According to it the children who would not obey their parents were dealt with by juvenile courts.

Passage of the Juvenile Court by Illinois in 1899 established the first comprehensive system of juvenile justice. The act had four major elements:

· A separate court for delinquent dependant and neglected children.

· Special legal procedures that were less adversarial than those in the adult system.

· Separation of children from adults in all portions of the justice system.

· Programs of probation to assist the courts in deciding what is in the best interest of the state and the child.

Since 1980 the public has demanded a "crackdown" on crime. Greater attention is now being focused on repeat offenders.

Among the criminal charges brought before the juvenile court 22 percent are for crimes against the person, 50 percent for property offences, 10 percent for drug law violations and 19 percent for public order offences.

The present crime control police has brought many juveniles to be tried in adult courts. Age normally determines whether a person is processed through the juvenile or adult justice system. The upper age limit for a juvenile varies from 16 to 18.

One of the first decisions to be made is whether a case should be transferred to the criminal (adult) justice system. In 49 states, juvenile court judges may waive their jurisdiction. This means that after considering the seriousness of the charge, the age of the juveniles, and the prospects of rehabilitation, the judge can transfer the case to adult court. In 26 states, certain violent crimes such as murder and rape, and armed robbery are excluded by law from the jurisdiction of the juvenile courts.

Since a "tougher" approach to juvenile crime took hold in the 1970s, the number of cases transferred increased dramatically.

GRAMMAR

Modal Verbs (Table 8)

Translate into Russian.

1. Traffic duty can also help the police catch criminals.

2. Officers may examine, seize contraband.

3. Federal law enforcement officials must work closely with local police in order to be effective.

4. Bail should not be used as punishment.

5. Crimes can be prevented in different ways.

6. The function of the police can be classified into 3 groups:

a) order maintenance,

b) law enforcement,

c) service.

7. Firearms involved in a crime situation should be submitted to the laboratory.

8. Fingerprints and materials such as blood, hairs may be a significant aid to any investigation.

9. The investigator must recognize that the suspect may have information without which the case cannot be solved.

10. A policeman has to wear a uniform.

11. Family violence can be defined as an attack on a family member with intent to hurt.

12. The trial was to begin at 10, but it was delayed.

13. Steve's parents don't think that their son will be able to cope with his drug problem alone.

14. Police arrived quickly and were able to catch the burglar at the scene of crime.