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DETERMINANTS OF THE JUVENILE COURT DISPOSITION - RESTITUTION AS A CONDITION OF PROBATION
Abstract
The assignment of restitution as a condition of probation is theoretically conceived to be a function of legal and extra-legal (demographic, personality and behavior) case characteristics. This study involved two groups of juveniles: those assigned restitution as a condition of probation and those assigned probation only. Sixty property offenders from the Jackson County, Missouri, Juvenile Court constituted the total sample. Personality and behavior characteristics were determined by scores on the Jesness Inventory and the Jesness Behavior Checklist. Analysis included bivariate and multivariate relationships with alpha set at .05. In addition, multivariate analyses of parent and Deputy Juvenile Officer (DJO) evaluations of the juveniles' behavior, obtained from the Observer form of the Jesness Behavior Checklist, were completed to determine how these evaluations correspond to the disposition. Tests of significance in bivariate analysis revealed little differentiation on most characteristics between the probation-restitution and probation only dispositions. The two dispositions did differ significantly, however, on race and income characteristics. White juveniles were more often ordered to make restitution while black juvenile were more frequently placed on probation only. Juveniles from families with income below $10,000 were more frequently ordered to pay restitution while juveniles from families of $10,000 or more were more frequently placed on probation only. Multivariate analysis revealed that dispositions were made with few extraneous interferences. Neither, legal and extra-legal demographic characteristics, personality traits, self-appraisal or parent observations was significantly different between the probation-restitution and probation only dispositions. DJO observations identified significant differences between the two dispositions. This successful prediction rate is consonant with court protocol. Judges tend to rely heavily on DJO observations and recommendations in making disposition decisions. It is recommended that greater effort be made to insure that all juveniles, regardless of case characteristics, be given an opportunity to participate in some type of restitution arrangement. In addition it is recommended that the court expand its restitution services to make employment assistance to low income juveniles an integral part of its services.
Subject Area
Educational psychology
Recommended Citation
MCMURRY, ERMA MAXINE, "DETERMINANTS OF THE JUVENILE COURT DISPOSITION - RESTITUTION AS A CONDITION OF PROBATION" (1985). ETD collection for University of Nebraska-Lincoln. AAI8521464.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dissertations/AAI8521464