Which group was notably targeted by the reform movement of the 19th century?

The reform movement of the 19th century placed a significant emphasis on addressing issues related to juvenile offenders. During this time, there was a growing recognition that children and adolescents should not be treated the same as adult offenders within the criminal justice system. The movement advocated for a more rehabilitative approach over punitive measures, focused on reforming youth rather than simply punishing them.

This period led to the establishment of separate juvenile courts and institutions designed specifically for young offenders, based on the belief that they possessed a greater potential for rehabilitation due to their age and social circumstances. Reformers sought to address the underlying social issues contributing to juvenile delinquency and to provide education and vocational training that would steer young individuals away from a life of crime.

In contrast, other groups such as wealthy individuals, drug addicts, and corporate criminals did not receive the same level of focused attention during this reform movement. Wealthy individuals often had the resources to evade harsh consequences, while approaches to drug addiction and corporate crime were less developed in that era. Thus, the emphasis on juvenile offenders marks a unique aspect of 19th-century reform efforts, highlighting a shift towards understanding criminal behavior in the context of age and societal influence.