Effects of juvenile justice interventions in Germany and England. A comparative analysis with German and English longitudinal data

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Klaus Boers
• Subject Area: Criminology
• Term: from 2014 to 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 264720026

The data of two panel studies from Germany (Crime in the modern city (CrimoC), Universities of Muenster and Bielefeld) and England (Peterborough Adolescent and Young Adult Development Study (PADS+), University of Cambridge) will be used to analyse the effects of measures of formal control on the self-reported as well as officially registered delinquency of juveniles and young adults. As the English juvenile justice system is more punitive than the German juvenile justice system, both systems are suited for a comparative analysis. This comparison will analyse delinquency enhancing effects by studying their mediation through meso-structural variables (such as social bonds) as assumed in labeling theory. Alternatively delinquency reducing effects as assumed either by deterrence theory or due to social rehabilitation will be investigated as well. The study will, in particular because of its comparativeness, offer important insights for legislation and the application of laws in both countries.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: United Kingdom
• Co-Investigator: Dr. Kristina-Maria Kanz
• Cooperation Partners: Professor Dr. Jost Reinecke; Professor Dr. Per-Olof Wikström