Date of Award

Spring 5-2012

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Criminal Justice

Committee Chair

Wesley Johnson

Committee Chair Department

Criminal Justice

Committee Member 2

Alan Thompson

Committee Member 2 Department

Criminal Justice

Committee Member 3

Hayden Griffin

Committee Member 3 Department

Criminal Justice

Committee Member 4

Richard Mohn

Committee Member 4 Department

Educational Studies and Research

Abstract

The South Korean yearly national report revealed that since 2006 there has been a steady increase in juvenile crimes (Seoul Police Department, 2009). In addition, the report demonstrated that South Korean juveniles' age of onset in delinquent activity has been continuously decreasing. In South Korea, the age-crime curve sharply peaks at age 16, holds constant until 19, and then begins to decline. Thus, this "peak" within the age-crime curve has been a frequently research topic. This has resulted in some empirical support demonstrating that the age in which criminal involvement peaks is considered the most dynamic period in an individuals' life-course (Wiesner & Windle, 2004). Thus, juveniles are most susceptible to criminality when they are experiencing the most physical, emotional, and academic changes. With such a lack of stability, juveniles may seek control through other means; thus committing deviant acts.

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