juvenile delinquency

American  

noun

1. behavior of a child or youth that is so marked by violation of law, persistent mischievousness, antisocial behavior, disobedience, or intractability as to thwart correction by parents and to constitute a matter for action by the juvenile courts.

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juvenile delinquency British  

noun

1. antisocial or criminal conduct by juvenile delinquents

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Etymology

Origin of juvenile delinquency

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

Juvenile delinquency was probably created by poverty more than by comic books.

From The Guardian • Nov. 9, 2016

Juvenile delinquency, historically always low, has increased 80% since 1972.

From Time Magazine Archive

Juvenile delinquency is perhaps also one of the elements of the sphere of public morality.

From Time Magazine Archive

Juvenile delinquency rose 10% last year in New York and Chicago, was up to 100% in war-boom towns.

From Time Magazine Archive

Another heading on the prison records is "Juvenile delinquency," which may include any form of youthful offense not embraced in the other terms.

From The Dangerous Classes of New York And Twenty Years' Work Among Them by Brace, Charles Loring