Study title

Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.

The purpose of this survey was to collect data in order to examine the effectiveness of influences restraining young males (aged 15 - 21) from offending against the law.
Main Topics:

Attitudinal/Behavioural Questions
Gambling/drinking behaviour and knowledge of the law.
Respondents were asked to (dis)agree with a number of statements about the police, personal experience of the police. Respondents were asked to name deterrents and worries which would stop them breaking the law, knowledge/experience of court procedures, whether respondent had seen any television plays about juvenile court or magistrates court. Penalties respondent would dislike most, opinion on various motives for theft, whether small fine and court appearance preferable to large fine and no court appearance. Respondents were asked to suggest a fair penalty for taking a car joy-riding, knowledge of penalties for a variety of offences.
Details of respondent's own offences: number of times offence committed, age at first offence, whether taken to court (age at first/last appearance), penalty received for first/last offence, whether penalty considered fair. Respondents were asked to supply the same information for other people he knew of (including employment/educational status). Parents'/friends' knowledge and opinion of offences. Respondent's expectation of 'getting away with' various offences, likelihood of respondent committing a variety of crimes. Factors which would cause worry, prevent or encourage respondents to commit offences.
Background Variables
Age, whether living with parents. Change in job/education situation, change in marital status.