Juvenile justice at a crossroad between crime control and rehabilitation: A study of philosophies and practices in Austria and the United States

Abstract

This study examines philosophies and practices of juvenile justice in Austria and the United States specifically using cases of juvenile homicide to provide context to examine divergent outcomes in the two countries. Grounding the paper in the culture of control theory, findings indicate that Austria has not been as heavily influenced by punitive policies as has the United States and maintains a focus as a welfare state. Although the United States has made progress in parts of the juvenile justice system, for more serious offenses, it remains largely focused on crime control and punitiveness. Penalties for juvenile crimes, even the most serious cases, in Austria are geared toward resocialization, education, and treatment instead of punishment. Possible explanations for these differences are explored through local cultural and sociological examination.