The Jailing of Juveniles in Minnesota: A Case Study

Abstract

Minnesota is nationally recognized for its enlightened criminal justice policies. It was the first state where policymakers implemented a comprehensive system of sentencing guidelines for adults and developed sound policies regarding the use of imprisonment. As a result, Minnesota has one of the lowest rates of incarceration of adults in the country and is one of only a handful of states with prisons that are not severely overcrowded. Unfortunately, the juvenile justice system in Minnesota has not kept pace with the advances in the adult area. For example, Minnesota has one of the highest incarceration rates for juveniles. This is primarily due to the fact that large numbers of young people are committed for relatively short periods of time to county operated training schools. Also, Minnesota is one of the states where large numbers of juveniles are admitted to county jails and municipal lockups each year. This article takes a close look at the problem of the jailing of juveniles in Minnesota and explores the implications for policymakers, juvenile justice professionals, public interest groups, and child advocates.