Life Course Theory: The Life Cycle Of Juvenile Delinquency

Juvenile delinquency is a complicated and complex issue with a multitude of underlying causes and reasoning behind why it happens. Years of research and studies have taken place across generations to aid in a better understanding what factors contribute to it and what should be done to prevent it. Developmental Theory takes aim at the life cycle of juvenile delinquency from beginning to the epilogue. Life Course Theory lends reason to the idea that a combination of personality and environment shape and child into a delinquent. Latent trait points to physiology reasons. General Theory of Crime states self-control is to blame. Trajectory Theory acknowledges each case of delinquency is different depending on who the individual is and why types of crimes they may commit. Developmental Theories differ from Social Theories of delinquency. Social views suggest culture, economics, environment and choices for reasons behind delinquency. Luis Felipe who is currently 55 years old and was ordered by a judge to serve his life sentence plus 45 years in solitary confinement for 23 hours a day without contact with anyone beside close family and his attorney due to his life of crime. Felipe is noted for having neither a family nor attorney. In an attempt to gain understanding …show more content…
Latent derives the idea that the individual that fall into this category have a “propensity” to engage in a life of crime. There is, “impulse, defective intelligence, environment influences,” as being factors. In relation to Felipe he grew up in an environment of poverty and hopelessness. It’s noted he struggled in school and eventually dropped out before high school. His entire surroundings coupled with his internal issues of possible mental defect could help explain the onset of his criminal