An intellectual and personality study of juveniles who are petitioned for waiver of juvenile jurisdiction

Forty-one juvenile offenders against whom petitions were filed to try them as adults were examined on various psychological tests and compared with typical adolescents. These certificands tend to be of low intelligence and have much difficulty in performing academically or in any situation without structure. The data indicate that these juveniles tend to act impulsively and without great concern for conventional social standards. A major discrepancy in their self-perception and in the way they are seen by others produces a confusion and distrust of others. From the data it appears that there are differences between the typical adolescent and these juveniles, but the difference is in the extent of the certificands' problems and is not a qualitative one. When questions of the efficacy of rehabilitation in the adult or juvenile system are left aside, the typical certificand is qualified in terms of psychiatric or psychological criteria to stand trial in either juvenile or adult court.Received his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Louisiana State University in 1969. Current research interests are psychology training and crime and delinquency.Received his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Georgia in 1970. Current research interests are professional issues, crime and delinquency, and forensic psychology.