Even as the number of females processed through juvenile courts climbs

2. It can be inferred from the passage that the authors believe traditional stereotypes of women to be

Difficulty Level: 700

Explanation

In the passage, the authors discuss how traditional stereotypes of women, specifically as the "weaker and more dependent sex," have influenced the way female delinquents are treated within the juvenile justice system. The passage explains that these stereotypes have led to earlier interventions and longer periods of supervision for female delinquents compared to males. The word "rationale" is used to indicate that these stereotypes have been used as a justification for this type of intervention.

Given this context, the authors do not explicitly state that the stereotypes are "frequently challenged" (A), "persistently inexplicable" (B), "rapidly changing" (D), or "habitually disregarded" (E). Instead, they highlight how these traditional stereotypes have harmful consequences by influencing the treatment and intervention of female delinquents. Therefore, option (C) "potentially harmful" best captures the authors' belief about the impact of these stereotypes.

Answer: C

3. The passage suggests that scholars in criminal justice could be criticized for which of the following?

Difficulty Level: 700

Explanation

(A) Underestimating the seriousness of juvenile crime
This option is incorrect because the passage doesn't focus on scholars underestimating the seriousness of juvenile crime. Instead, it discusses the types of crimes that female adolescents are accused of, which are considered relatively minor.

(B) Rationalizing the distinction made between juveniles and adults in the legal system
This option is incorrect because the passage doesn't directly address scholars rationalizing the distinction between juveniles and adults in the legal system. It focuses on the reasons why scholars perceive male adolescents as defining the delinquency problem.

(C) Concerning themselves too little with the prevention of juvenile delinquency
This option is incorrect because the passage doesn't critique scholars for not concerning themselves enough with the prevention of juvenile delinquency. It discusses the reasons for the persistence of a certain viewpoint and doesn't imply a lack of concern on the part of scholars.

(D) Focusing on those whose crimes have involved damage to persons or property
This is the correct answer. The passage discusses the implicit consensus among scholars that male adolescents define the delinquency problem. It points out that female adolescents are accused primarily of victimless crimes like truancy, which do not involve clear-cut damage to persons or property. This implies that scholars might be criticized for focusing more on crimes that involve damage to persons or property and not giving enough attention to the broader range of offenses that female adolescents might commit.

(E) Failing to point out injustices in the correctional system
This option is incorrect because the passage doesn't address scholars failing to point out injustices in the correctional system. It primarily discusses the reasons for the persistence of a particular viewpoint about male adolescents defining the delinquency problem.

In summary, the passage suggests that scholars might be criticized for focusing on those whose crimes involve damage to persons or property, as this focus contributes to the perpetuation of the perception that male adolescents define the delinquency problem, while the passage highlights the lesser scrutiny given to female delinquents accused of relatively minor offenses.

Answer: D