Citation

Moak SC, Thomas SA, Walker JT, Gann SM. J. Juv. Justice 2012; 2(1): 73-90.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, In Public Domain (U.S. Department of Justice OJJDP), Publisher CSR)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

his article presents the results of a hierarchical linear model (HLM) analysis in which structural disadvantage at the county level, along with incident-level characteristics, are examined to determine whether the symbolic threat hypothesis offers any explanation for disproportionate minority contact (DMC) with the juvenile justice system. The decision point examined is length of stay in preadjudication detention.

RESULTS indicate that minority juveniles are detained for longer periods of time than their White counterparts, even while controlling for incident characteristics. Moreover, minorities who live in communities characterized by structural disadvantage are detained longer than their White counterparts, and longer than minorities in more affluent counties. This research supports the use of the symbolic threat hypothesis as a theoretical framework for examining DMC, as well as for offering possible interventions to reduce this phenomenon.
Keywords: disproportionate minority contact, preadjudication detention, symbolic threat, juvenile justice

Language: en