Juvenile Curfew Effects on Criminal Behavior and Victimization: A Systematic Review

• Published in: Campbell Systematic Reviews
• Main Authors: David B. Wilson, Charlotte Gill, Ajima Olaghere, Dave McClure
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 2016
• Subjects: droit; psy; Iceland
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.4073/csr.2016.3; https://doaj.org/article/14ff3ab478414cb78814b71a0b2132fa

This review synthesizes the evidence on the effectiveness of juvenile curfews in reducing criminal behavior and victimization among youth. Included studies test the effect of an official state or local policy intended to restrict or otherwise penalize a juvenile's presence outside the home during certain times of day. This must have been a general preventive measure directed at all youth within a certain age range and not a sanction imposed on a specific youth. Twelve quantitative evaluations of the effects of curfews on youth criminal behavior or victimization are included in the review. Synopsis/Plain Language Summary The Campbell review in brief The evidence suggests that juvenile curfews do not reduce crime or victimization. What is this review about? Curfews restrict youth below a certain – usually 17 or 18 – from public places during nighttime. For example, the Prince George's County, Maryland, curfew ordinance restricts youth younger than 17 from public places between 10 P.M. and 5 A.M. on weekdays and between midnight and 5 A.M. on weekends. Sanctions range from a fine that increases with each offense, community service, and restrictions on a youth's driver's license. Close to three quarters of US cities have curfews, which are also used in Iceland. A juvenile curfew has common sense appeal: keep youth at home during the late night and early morning hours and you will prevent them from committing a crime or being a victim of a crime. In addition, the potential for fines or other sanctions deter youth from being out in a public place during curfew hours. Juvenile curfews have received numerous legal challenges. The constitutional basis for infringing the rights of youth rests on the assumption that they reduce juvenile crime and victimization. This review synthesizes the evidence on the effectiveness of juvenile curfews in reducing criminal behavior and victimization among youth. What are the main findings of this review? What studies are included? Included studies test the effect of an official state or ...