Children and the Criminal Law in Connecticut, 1635-1855

This book analyzes changing opinions about the attitudes concerning the nature of children and the legal capacities of children using criminal court records, legislative petitions and actions, and public perceptions.

University of Maine.

Acknowledgments -- Introduction -- Chapter One Protecting Property, Correcting Children: Prosecuting Theft and Arson -- Chapter Two Murderous Minors: The Treatment of Assault and Murder -- Chapter Three Public Order and Private Rights: Keeping Children in Line -- Chapter Four Legal Standards, Community Justice: The Problem of Child Abuse -- Chapter Five The Emergent Problem of the Sexual Abuse of Children -- Chapter Six From Retribution to Rehabilitation: Children and the Criminal Law in the 19th Century -- Notes -- Bibliography -- Index.