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Rating: 
Summary: Unforgettable. Buy it, promote it and use it
Review: From Library Journal July, 1999 "Superpredator" is the chilling name currently given to the most severe juvenile offenders. Can they be saved? Is it right to lock them away for life? What went wrong? Elikann, an attorney, Court TV commentator, and chair of the Criminal Justice Section of the Massachusetts Bar Association, writes that these youths can indeed be helped, offering a 15-point plan based on intervention, strengthening families, rehabilitation, and role models. Chapter 5, which eerily connects with the reasons behind the Littleton shootings, merits extra attention. Elikann argues that there is no such thing as a motiveless crime and deals with the role shame and disrespect play in retribution. This book is well researched, straightforward, and unforgettable. Buy it, promote it, use it in discussion groups. Recommended for all libraries.
Rating:
Summary: A MUST READ FOR ALL INTERESTED IN JUVENILE JUSTICE
Review: I highly recommend that this book be read by any person interested in solving the problems of youth crime. In this excellent, yet disturbing, book, Elikann discusses many relevant topics relating to, as the subtitle of the book describes, the "demonization" of our children by the law.In exploring these topics, Elikann does not rely on his own opinions. He appears to have carefully researched the subject of juvenile crime and punishment and is evenhanded in his presentation of substantive quotes from many well-respected sources, representing opinions from all shades of the political spectrum. I would make it a law that this book be read by every member of Congress and every member of every State Legislature BEFORE being allowed to vote on any bill that might impact juveniles. Maybe, these lawmakers would understand that the way to solve juvenile crime is not to declare war on juveniles, but to declare war on the causes of juvenile crime - poverty, ignorance, and abuse.
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