Determinants of public opinion toward juvenile waiver decisions

This study examines the determinants of public opinion toward three types o f juvenile crimes deemed suitable for trial in criminal court. The public o verwhelmingly supports juvenile waivers, especially for juveniles charged w ith violent crimes. However, such on overall consensus in public: opinion t an be a result of an inadequate survey design. The public needs to be given more contextual information regarding juvenile offenses and possible conse quences resulting from transferring juveniles to the adult system.