Peter Reinhartz

In 1899 the juvenile justice system was formed to focus on rehabilitation instead of punishment in an effort to create productive citizens out of delinquents. Juveniles generally receive lighter punishments than adults, and their records are sealed when they reach eighteen, although the specifics vary from state to state. Opponents of the juvenile justice system argue that it encourages juvenile delinquency by failing to hold youths responsible for their crimes. Peter Reinhartz makes this argument in the following viewpoint, focusing specifically on the existing juvenile justice system in New York. Reinhartz is a prosecuting attorney with the New York juvenile justice department.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to Reinhartz, what is one of the limitations on police in the juvenile justice system?
2. What does Reinhartz consider to be two...