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An Offer They Can't Refuse: Racial Disparity In Juvenile Justice And Deliberate Indifference Meet Alternatives That Work, Edgar Cahn, Cynthia Robbins

University of the District of Columbia Law Review

While young people of all races commit delinquent acts, some are provided treatment while others are detained and incarcerated. Once incarcerated, these youth begin their slide down a slippery slope; they lack an equal opportunity to gather evidence and prepare their cases. Furthermore, they will be effectively deprived of the opportunity and the resources to develop the educational and employment skills necessary to progress to productive adult lives. It is well documented that juveniles of color are more likely than their white counterparts to be arrested,1 referred to juvenile court rather than to diversion programs, charged,waived to adult court, detained …