Juvenile Crimes In Adult Prisons

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In recent years, we are seeing more juveniles charged as adults for their criminal offenses. Some juvenile crimes are minor and warrant alternative forms of punishment to assist in rehabilitation. However, even though the adult system is not suited for juveniles, in some cases the courts may sentence juveniles to adult prison facilities.

Adult prison facilities could deem fatal for a young offender. Lack of education, sexual abuse, and mental health problems, which could lead to suicide. The Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003, expresses that in adult prisons, juveniles are 5 times more subjected to sexual attacks than in juvenile facilities. (Parsell, 2012)

Following the modern crime era, most jurisdictions still utilize the six categories
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542). I could argue that adolescence and immaturity play a large part in a child deciphering from wrong or right; however, young children are committing severe criminal offenses such as murder, like the Columbine High School shooting. I was 24 when the shooting happened, and as I watched the news, I begin to reminisce about being in the gym, running up and down the court as our basketball team played there’s. I wasn’t there when the shooting happened, but it could’ve been me.

As I reflect on this question, I am impartial to the rehabilitation process and punishment of juvenile offenders. Therefore, I believe the court system is in place for a reason, to review all aspects (facts, evidence, and witnesses) of the crime and to dictate if a minor should be rehabilitated or tried as an adult.

References:
Schmalleger, F. (2011). Criminal Justice Today: An Introductory Text for the 21st Century. 11th ed. Upper Saddle River, NY: Pearson Prentice Hall.

Parsell, T.J. (2012). In Prison, Teenagers Become Prey. The New York Times.