Should Juveniles Get Life?
A recent article in The New York Times describes the escalating debate over whether juveniles accused of violent crimes ought to be given life in prison with no possibility of parole. In a UN vote last December, the US was the only country out of 186 to vote against abolishing the practice. The issue pits the American criminal justice system against the European model which puts an emphasis on rehabilitation. Only as recently as 2005 has the US ended the practice of capital punishment for underage offenders, thanks to the Supreme Court ruling in Roper v. Simmons. Prosecutors and victim’s rights groups claim that some crimes are so heinous that even those as young as 14 ought to be imprisoned for life, citing the possibility of recidivism. However, others such as Bryan Stevenson of Equal Justice Initiative, which represents many such young clients, feel differently. Stevenson argues that “there is always hope for a child” and that while immediate release of convicted criminals is not on the agenda a formal review of the process is vital. To read more, please click here .
Craig
November 27, 2007 @ 7:25 pm
Society has long maintained age distinctions for things like drinking alcohol and signing contracts, and the highest court has ruled that youths under 18 who commit terrible crimes are less blameworthy than adults. But could that rule still be applied when it comes to the taking of another life? Or Rape? If a child is able to make the decision to commit one of those 2 acts they should be fully accountable for understanding the act and its repercussions.
pro bono
February 21, 2009 @ 11:09 pm
Child offenders aren’t fully developed adults and usually have family abuse problems, or other extenuating circumstances that lead to heir criminal acts. Condemning a child for the possibility of recidivism is ridiculous. If there is any possibility of reform a child holds the best chance of success. They should though be held fully accountable for their acts.
Miami dwi lawyer
October 5, 2011 @ 1:23 pm
Juvenile delinquency is one great problem of society. It is the parents’ sole responsibility in raising a kid to be law-abiding citizens, but we also have to take into account the great influence of peers. We also have to view the fact that there are some adults who use minors in committing heinous crimes such as robbery, murder, drug trafficking and the likes. And they should be held accountable for such acts.