Work

System-independent inequalities in youth justice decision-making: Seven spheres of influence

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Children with social and health-related disadvantages are over-represented in youth justice systems in many countries. This phenomenon cannot be explained by offending rates alone; rather, a wide body of research suggests that inequalities in youth justice decision-making play a significant role. With reference to Van den Brink and Lanskey’s seven spheres framework and drawing on qualitative analysis of data from decision-makers in youth justice and related services in England & Wales and the Netherlands, we discuss influences common to both systems which were identified as fuelling inequalities in youth justice decision-making and which may have wider relevance.

Source: Youth Justice

DOI: 10.1177/14732254261473874

Authors: Caroline Lanskey, Yannick van den Brink

Institutions: University of Cambridge, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Language: English

Topic: Criminal Justice and Corrections Analysis

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,650