ABSTRACT
In the get-tough era it has been fashionable to argue that the reach of the criminal justice system should be extended to include more and more of those now dealt with by the juvenile justice system—the idea being that the more punitive, more legalistic system is also more efficient at the business of crime control. Basing their position on the “childishness” of most offenders, whatever their age, Gottfredson and Hirschi take a contrary position. In their view, the criminal justice system should be reserved for those rare cases that enrage the moral sentiments of the community and leave no room for concerns with crime control or rehabilitation.—JHL/TH
