This is a review of contemporary theory and studies published in various scholarly
journals regarding the labeling effect of criminal justice system involvement at a young
age on offenders. Drawing on studies that have taken place over the past several
decades in order to increase the generalizability of the conclusions, this paper discusses
the relationship between formal sanctioning and delinquent peer association among
offenders. Results from the studies lend support to the tenets of labeling theory. They
also suggest that the relative rate of increased recidivism among offenders is positively
correlated with an operationalized measure of their “stakes in conformity” (e.g.
marriage, employment, civic involvement, etc.). This literature review highlights the
need for a reassessment of current sentencing policy for juveniles, as their life-course
orientation is particularly vulnerable to negative influences. More generally, this review
brings together theory and data to call for a rejection of sentencing policies which claim
to “get tough on crime.”