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The Need for Theory in Assessing Peer Courts

California State University at Chico, adick{at}csuchico.edu

Dan J. Pence

California State University at Chico

Randall M. Jones

Utah State University

H. Reed Geertsen

Utah State University

Over the past decade, peer courts have become an increasingly popular way to divert first-time and status offenders from the juvenile court, with more than 875 programs nationwide in 2002. With their rise in popularity, some studies have examined peer courts’ effectiveness for reducing attendee recidivism, although none have employed social theory for these purposes. The goal of this article is to demonstrate why social theory is necessary for evaluating peer courts. The authors use three classical criminological theories—labeling, deterrence, and differential association—to provide a better understanding of peer court functions and efficacy.

Key Words: peer court • youth court • teen court • labeling theory • deterrence theory • differential association theory • juvenile diversion

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