Summary Of Should The Law Treat Kids And Adults Differently By Jessica Reaves

Children should be treated, in the eyes of the law, the same as adults for crimes. Jessica Reaves wrote an article on March 12, 2012; Reaves’ article titled “Should the Law Treat Kids and Adults Differently?” Reaves explores the idea of juvenile committed crimes. Although just children, they are getting harsh punishments. People will argue the fact that these crimes were committed by a child. Reaves’ quoted a study in her article. Reaves said, “... studies suggest that the brain’s prefrontal lobe… may not reach full development until age 20.” the prefrontal lobe plays a huge factor in the argument of child offenders. The argument being they do not understand what they are doing. The prefrontal lobe is responsible for the understanding of inappropriate behavior. If the prefrontal lobe is not fully developed until the age of twenty, how can a child know if he or she has done an inappropriate act. These children who commit crimes can be rehabilitated because their

All crimes should be treated equally. Nathaniel Brazill and Lionel Tate are two kids who fell into some trouble with the law. Brazill was found guilty of second degree murder; Brazill killed his english teacher. Second degree murder usually carries a thirty year sentence in prison. I feel Brazill should receive this sentence because the sentence fits the crime he has committed. Tate was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Tate was practicing wrestling moves and killed a younger girl. I believe that no parole for any child is to harsh a punishment. Children should still be punished for crimes they commit; however, these same kids should be given a chance to show that they have changed and understand what it is they have done. A convicted child should be given a chance at a parole hearing; if he or she has shown to fully comprehends what has been done and shows no signs of committing a crime again he or she should be given a second