ABSTRACT

Throughout her entire career, Judge Polier continually fought for the rights and needs of the poor. In this volume she describes the granting and denial of justice toward the poor -- particluarly poor children -- she observed during her tenure as a Family Court Judge in New York City. The book discusses the current state of the justice system and the outlook for the future. This volume helps readers understand how broadly shared the responsibility for the neglect of today's youth is and how society must reshape its attitudes and realign its priorities to help the thousands of children who are dependent upon the public for care and support.

The book identifies how the courts have been weakened by their loss of direct contact with delinquent and neglected children and the "need for humanity and respect in dealing with difficult human problems." (from the introduction).

From her personal experiences and observations, Judge Polier describes the granting and denial of justice she observed while she consistently emphasizes the need for direct contact with delinquent and neglected children. For students, professional, and researchers in sociology, criminal justice, and any social science discipline dealing with children and children's problems, Polier's book provides a behind-the-scenes look at one of the major problems facing society today.

chapter Chapter 1|17 pages

Fifty Years of Changing Political Winds

chapter Chapter 2|18 pages

For Delinquents: The Tail End of Justice

chapter Chapter 4|17 pages

Neglected and Abused Children

chapter Chapter 5|13 pages

The Search for Permanence

chapter Chapter 7|11 pages

Sex and the Double Standard

chapter Chapter 9|10 pages

Religious Separatism

chapter Chapter 10|21 pages

Racial Discrimination

chapter Chapter 11|6 pages

Postscript for the Future