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 …show more content…
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.