Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Criminal Justice

Advisor

Jacqueline Cook-Jones

Abstract

The juvenile direct file law stands firm among Florida laws despite lacking research to show its effectiveness in the prevention of juvenile delinquency. In Florida, juvenile delinquency and the juvenile direct file law cause significant concern due to the uncertainty surrounding the law. The Florida juvenile justice system fosters a vital position in the lives of many children, young adults, and families. Florida’s direct file law has a negative impact on the health, mental health, education, and brain development of juveniles and their ability to separate from a criminal lifestyle. Identifying the direct file law’s effects on the future of youths can provide further insight on why the current approach does not successfully deter juvenile delinquency. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the effectiveness of the law and to determine if the juvenile direct file law works to address juvenile delinquency. Labeling theory and psychodynamic theory served as the theoretical frameworks. In-depth semi structured interviews were conducted with eight participants who were professional personnel involved with juveniles who were direct filed and juveniles who remain in the juvenile system. Analysis of the collected data revealed that Florida’s direct file law attributed to a decrease in abilities necessary for juveniles to become functioning members of society. The results of this study have potential implications for positive social change by informing practitioners and policy makers of the effects the direct file law has on juveniles’ future to assist in rehabilitation methods to reduce recidivism rates.

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