The Juvenile Justice Assessment Instrument

Abstract This article presents the development of a new assessment instrument for use with juvenile delinquents: The Juvenile Justice Assessment Instrument (JJAI). The term “juvenile delinquency” covers a multitude of antisocial behaviors engaged in by adolescents. Research indicates that certain intrinsic vulnerabilities may combine with environmental stressors to engender maladaptive behaviors. Unfortunately, these potentially treatable vulnerabilities often remain unrecognized in the delinquent population. Because of the sheer numbers of children entering the juvenile justice system each year, it is impossible to ensure that each child will receive a full evaluation from a trained clinician. The JJAI offers those who work with juvenile delinquents an economical, yet sophisticated, assessment tool for evaluating youngsters and recommending appropriate treatment and disposition. This paper also presents the results of two field trials with the JJAI. In a juvenile justice setting, data elicited by the JJAI was compared to data gathered by the court. In a residential treatment setting, data elicited by the JJAI was compared with information gathered by staff at the treatment facility. A discussion of the obstacles faced by those who interview delinquents, and strategies within the JJAI to overcome them, are discussed.     

Visualization of bridging veins by means of postmortem computed tomography

At autopsy, visualization of lesions of the bridging veins, a frequent source of subdural bleeding, is difficult due to their anatomical localization. On the other hand their demonstration is of great importance for the assignment to a chronologically defined trauma. For this reason a postmortem method using computed tomography was developed to visualize the intracranial venous system by means of X-ray contrast media. In subdural bleedings, in which the skull had not been opened up, ruptured vessels could be accurately localized with this method, so that targeted dissection was possible during the subsequent autopsy.     

Interpretation of repeat measurement DNA evidence allowing for multiple contributors and population substructure

Due to the circumstances in some forensic cases, very small amounts of DNA (<100 pg) may be obtained. This, in turn, may affect the reliability of the PCR process, and so it may be advisable to repeat the amplification process for confirmatory purposes. Gill et al. [Forensic Sci. Int. 112 (2000) 17] proposed a method for the statistical evaluation of the PCR replicate information. In this paper we formalize the method proposed by Gill et al. [Forensic Sci. Int. 112 (2000) 17], and extend it to allow for cases involving mixed stains and for population substructure.     

An 18-Year Model of Family and Peer Effects on Adolescent Drug Use and Delinquency

The interrelationship of family and peer experiences in predicting adolescent problem behaviors was examined in an 18-year longitudinal sample of adolescents (N = 198) from conventional and nonconventional families. Positive associations among early childhood predictors and adolescent problem behaviors were consistent with problem behavior theory. The most powerful predictors of teen drug use and delinquent behaviors were similar behaviors by peers. Peer behaviors, however, were in turn predicted by earlier family-related variables and the quality of peer relationships in childhood. This study provides supporting evidence that strong peer effects in adolescence reflect even earlier processes in childhood and highlight the importance of linkages from early childhood experiences in family and peer contexts to the development of problem behaviors in adolescence. Implications for prevention and intervention programs are discussed.     

Asymmetric Rent-Seeking with More than Two Contestants

This article considers a rent-seeking model with N asymmetriccontestants. Each contestant may have a different valuation ofthe rent or a different relative ability to win the rent. Oneof the N contestants is selected as the winner based onTullock's probabilistic contest rule with constant returns toscale. A pure strategy Nash equilibrium solution is obtainedand its consequences are investigated.     

Integrating Municipal Workforces: A Comparative Study of Six Southern Cities

Black penetration of the municipal workforces of six southerncities—Atlanta, Augusta, Birmingham, Columbia, Macon,and Savannah—is examined for the purpose of highlightingthe factors either favoring or impeding integration. Also examinedis the relative importance of local and federal actors in changingonce segregated hiring patterns. Information was obtained througha series of interviews in each city with relevant participants.Results show that local factors are generally predominant ininfluencing black hiring (e.g., a black mayor, a white mayordependent on black electoral support, a permeable personnelstructure). However, federal intervention in individual discriminationsuits has had a strong effect in certain cities, particularlywhere suits resulted in consent decrees setting targets forminority hires.