The Spirit Level ties income inequality to social problems; here, an ex-young offender argues youth crime is typically a response to material deprivation.
The criminal justice system is not effective at dealing with children and young people. Evidence shows that about half of the 10 and 11 year olds sentenced in court in 2008 will have re-offended within a year – and their experience within the criminal justice system actually increases the likelihood that they will go on to commit further crimes.