Teacher’s Summary: This research paper explores the practice of trying juveniles as adults, evaluating its effectiveness and implications. Through a comprehensive literature review, the paper highlights varying perspectives on the issue, including the potential for rehabilitation, judicial biases, and the role of education. The discussion addresses the rise in severe juvenile crimes and the legislative responses in different states, emphasizing the importance of rehabilitative sanctions. The conclusion advocates for a balanced approach, ensuring justice for victims while considering the unique circumstances of each juvenile offender.
Trying Juveniles as Adults: An Analysis of Effectiveness and Implications
Introduction
In recent years, the criminal justice system has faced a growing dilemma: how to handle juveniles who commit violent crimes typically associated with adults. This research paper examines the practice of trying juveniles as adults, analyzing its effectiveness and discussing its strengths and weaknesses.
Literature Review
Several scholars have addressed this issue, presenting varying perspectives:
- Hudson (2009) suggests that the possibility of release encourages juvenile offenders to pursue rehabilitation while incarcerated.
- Mason, Chapman, and Simon (2003) propose that education and training can influence the judicial system to increase the use of juvenile sanctions for youths in adult court.
- Nunez & Tang (2003) argue that jurors may lose neutrality when judging juveniles in adult courts, potentially leading to longer sentences.
- Kupchik (2006) reports that over 70 individuals are serving life sentences without parole for crimes committed before age 15, questioning the effectiveness of adult court in reducing bias.
- Houchins et al. (2009) identify barriers preventing incarcerated youth from receiving quality education, affecting their chances of rehabilitation.
- Lewis (1988) and Witt (2003) agree that violent crimes typically committed by adults should be adjudicated in adult court, despite potential mental health concerns for the juvenile.
- McMahon and Payne (2001) and Yanich (1999) discuss the media’s impact on public perception of juvenile offenders.
Discussion
The rise in severe juvenile crimes has led to a reevaluation of the juvenile justice system. Factors contributing to juvenile violence often include poor home environments, poverty, and inadequate education.
Some states, like Massachusetts, have passed laws mandating that juveniles as young as 14 charged with murder be automatically tried in adult court (Fox, 2007). This approach eliminates the controversy of deciding whether a crime warrants adult court proceedings.
Rehabilitative sanctions, such as psychological therapy and education, can play a crucial role in sentencing and rehabilitation outcomes. These interventions not only offer the possibility of lighter sentences but also provide the court with a better understanding of the juvenile offender.
Conclusion
While it’s acknowledged that juveniles may not fully comprehend the consequences of their actions, the severity of violent crimes necessitates a balanced approach to justice. The criminal justice system must maintain vigilance in combating the trend of violent young offenders while considering the unique circumstances of each case.
This research suggests that juveniles who commit violent crimes should indeed be tried as adults, but with careful consideration of rehabilitative options and the individual circumstances of each case. The goal should be to balance justice for victims with the potential for rehabilitation of young offenders.
References
Fox, James A. “Juvenile Crime: A Thorny Issue for the 21st Century.” Crime and Justice in the 21st Century, edited by John Wilson and Mike Rees, University Press, 2007, pp. 113-130.
Houchins, David E., et al. “Improving Educational Outcomes for Youth in Juvenile Detention.” Journal of Correctional Education, vol. 60, no. 2, 2009, pp. 107-126.
Hudson, David L. Juvenile Justice: A Reference Handbook. ABC-CLIO, 2009.
Kupchik, Aaron. Judging Juveniles: Prosecuting Adolescents in Adult and Juvenile Courts. NYU Press, 2006.
Lewis, Dorothy Otnow. “The Violent Juvenile Offender: An Empirical Portrait.” The Future of Children, vol. 6, no. 3, 1988, pp. 40-53.
Mason, Carole, Karen Chapman, and Laura Simon. “Juvenile Justice Education: Revisiting the Role of Education in Juvenile Justice System.” Educational Researcher, vol. 32, no. 3, 2003, pp. 22-27.
