Testing Incapacitation Theory: Youth Crime & Incarceration in California

July 2006 Testing Incapacitation Theory: Youth Crime & Incarceration in California This study examined California's juvenile incarceration and crime trends over the past 47 years. In addition to statewide trends, county-by-county youth incarceration practices and crime patterns are examined to determine differential outcomes between high incarceration and low incarceration counties. California's youth incarceration patterns offered an opportunity to analyze the validity of incapacitation theory as it applies to young people.  Under incapacitation theory, counties with higher youth incarceration rates are expected to experience accelerated reductions in juvenile crime. Failure to demonstrate reduced crime rates through higher . . .