Journal of Criminology

A nationally representative sample of 1837 youths detained in 42 juvenile correctional programs is analyzed to determine the subjective probability of their being labelled criminal by people because they were sent to a correctional program. Both status offenders and youths committed for more serious offences are increasingly more afraid of being labelled criminal as they penetrate the juvenile justice system and as the quality of interaction between youth and staff in these programs deteriorates. This holds for first-offenders and recidivists alike. Ascribed properties are of secondary importance in accounting for their perceived probability of being labelled criminal.

Psychiatric referrals to the Department of Mental Hygiene (Victoria) of 139 consecutive railway vandals is investigated and the diagnoses made noted. It is concluded that railway vandalism in Victoria is not a feature of gross psychiatric disturbance or pathology.