| This is a policy analysis of the California Gang Violence and Juvenile Crime Prevention Act of 1998 (also known as Proposition 21). In an attempt to reduce and deter violent crimes and gang activity, Proposition 21 established harsher punishments. Among other changes, Proposition 21 allowed youth as young as age 14 to be directly tried in adult court for violent or gang-related offenses.;This study used both primary and secondary sources as data to analyze Proposition 21. The background and history of the policy leading to its enactment, as well as its effectiveness and impact was explored. This study concluded that Proposition 21 particularly affected vulnerable populations. Furthermore, Proposition 21 was passed despite the fact that abundant research had found that youth who are sentenced by adult court tend to be more likely to reoffend and return to prison. |
