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The Best Interest Is The Child: A Historical Philosophy For Modern Issues, Lahny R. Silva
The Best Interest Is The Child: A Historical Philosophy For Modern Issues, Lahny R. Silva
Brigham Young University Journal of Public Law
A little over a century after the creation of the first juvenile court in America, the states and the federal government continue to try to find an effective and practical solution to juvenile delinquency. Beginning with the “Best Interest of the Child Standard” in 1899, juvenile justice policy has evolved into a mixed bag of philosophies. State statutes littered with “Best Interest” rhetoric, have interestingly resulted in state policies that are retributive in nature and disproportionately affect minority communities. The disconnect between theory and practice is the product of decades of socio-political influence on juvenile justice policy as well as …