Net-Widening of the Juvenile Justice System in Japan

Abstract

The phenomenon of net-widening was identified by American scholars carrying out research for the evaluation of diversion programs in the American juvenile justice system. The phenomenon, however, can occur independent of diversion programs. This paper emphasizes that, when assessing the net-widening or the net-narrowing of the juvenile justice system, researchers should compare the boundaries of the juvenile justice system with those of other components of the justice system. By identifying the boundaries, one can attempt to explain how the net-widening of the juvenile justice system has occurred in Japan.