This course studies how society deals with and perhaps should deal with juvenile offenders and victims. In our exploration of the subject, we look at the history and philosophical underpinnings of juvenile justice, juvenile rights and liabilities, the roles of various agents working within our system, and techniques and procedures for handling juveniles. We also explore how juvenile social dynamics have changed – particularly, with respect to gang involvement – how they are continuing to evolve, and whether our system is equipped to deal with such changes.

We typically invite guest speakers with specialized knowledge into our class room, and we also tour Juvenile Hall in Salinas, California, to gain an inside look at part of our local juvenile justice system.

Critical reading and writing skills are required in this course.

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Scott Moller graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School in 1995. Upon admission to the bar, he pursued a civil litigation practice for three years, then began his career as a prosecutor, representing the state of Wisconsin in criminal cases. He served as a prosecutor for the next 15 years, handling cases in a number of jurisdictions across the state. While working as a prosecutor, he offered educational seminars for police officers and taught at Nicolet College. He now serves as a full-time professor and chair of the Department of Administration of Justice at Monterey Peninsula College.