Deconstructing “Sophistication-Maturity”: A Survey of Judges

Although developmental research and the justice system both recognize that young offenders are fundamentally different from adult offenders, judges have little empirical guidance as to how characteristics of justice-involved youth such as maturity should be measured and factored into judicial decisions. This study investigated how juvenile court judges weigh factors that could influence the construct of maturity when making decisions regarding juveniles. Participating judges (N = 47) viewed one of eight vignettes about a hypothetical juvenile, which varied in regard to psychosocial maturity, physical maturity, and severity of offense. Participants then indicated whether they would transfer the juvenile to adult criminal court, and rated the degree to which the juvenile needed punishment and rehabilitation. Results showed that offense severity significantly influenced judges’ transfer decisions, while information about the juvenile’s psychosocial maturity and physical appearance did not. The potential implications of these findings in the context of the juvenile justice system are discussed.M.S., Psychology -- Drexel University, 201