Perceptions of Youth Behaviors and Justice System Responses: A Vignette-Based Study
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Caitlin Brady
Location
Russell Union Ballroom
Type of Research
On-going
Session Format
Poster Presentation
College
College of Behavioral & Social Sciences
Department
Criminal Justice & Criminology
Abstract
Public attitudes play a critical role in shaping juvenile justice policies and practices, particularly regarding rehabilitation and system responses to youth behaviors. This study examines public perceptions of youth and preferred justice outcomes using a vignette-based experimental design. Participants were presented with three hypothetical youth profiles that varied across five characteristics: age (8–10, 11–13, or 14–16), race (Black or White), sex (male or female), offense type (delinquent or status offense), and referral source (law enforcement, parent/caretaker, school personnel, or school resource officer). After reviewing each profile, respondents were asked whether the youth should be detained and what outcome the youth should receive (ranging from no charge to transfer to adult court). Overall, findings suggest that public preferences for system responses are shaped by the youth’s age and offense type. Additionally, referral source impacted respondent views on whether the youth should be detained and what type of outcome (rehabilitative vs. punitive) they should receive. The findings have implications across multiple disciplines, including juvenile justice, social work, psychology, education, and public policy, by informing how youth behavior is addressed across systems. Understanding these perceptions can support interdisciplinary collaboration that prioritize prevention, rehabilitation, and long-term youth well-being while maintaining community safety.
Program Description
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Start Date
4-23-2026 10:00 AM
End Date
4-23-2026 12:00 PM
Recommended Citation
Wansley, Brynn S., "Perceptions of Youth Behaviors and Justice System Responses: A Vignette-Based Study" (2026). GS4 Student Scholars Symposium. 19.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/research_symposium/2026/2026/19
Perceptions of Youth Behaviors and Justice System Responses: A Vignette-Based Study
Russell Union Ballroom
Public attitudes play a critical role in shaping juvenile justice policies and practices, particularly regarding rehabilitation and system responses to youth behaviors. This study examines public perceptions of youth and preferred justice outcomes using a vignette-based experimental design. Participants were presented with three hypothetical youth profiles that varied across five characteristics: age (8–10, 11–13, or 14–16), race (Black or White), sex (male or female), offense type (delinquent or status offense), and referral source (law enforcement, parent/caretaker, school personnel, or school resource officer). After reviewing each profile, respondents were asked whether the youth should be detained and what outcome the youth should receive (ranging from no charge to transfer to adult court). Overall, findings suggest that public preferences for system responses are shaped by the youth’s age and offense type. Additionally, referral source impacted respondent views on whether the youth should be detained and what type of outcome (rehabilitative vs. punitive) they should receive. The findings have implications across multiple disciplines, including juvenile justice, social work, psychology, education, and public policy, by informing how youth behavior is addressed across systems. Understanding these perceptions can support interdisciplinary collaboration that prioritize prevention, rehabilitation, and long-term youth well-being while maintaining community safety.
