Another course students may take in criminal justice courses is Gangs and Juvenile Justice. Juvenile justice has long been a concern of law enforcement and the criminal justice system, and it is important that students understand this aspect of criminal activity. To better understand the issues surrounding gangs and juvenile justice, students will learn about the specifics of the juvenile justice system and how it differs from the standard criminal justice system. Issues such as recidivism, rehabilitation, and corrections options must be considered when studying the juvenile justice system.

As gangs become a more powerful criminal presence among young people, it is imperative that students of criminal justice understand the issues surrounding them. Students may learn about the psychological and sociological aspects of gang recruitment and establishment. They may also learn about various theories regarding corrections and youth offenders, and examine trends in policing strategies, community involvement, sentencing guidelines, and behavioral patterns related to gang involvement.