Essay On Juveniles Should Be Tried As Adults

In twenty-two states plus the District of Columbia, children as young as seven can be prosecuted and tried in adult court. How far does a child have to go in order to be tried as an adult at a young age? Youth housed in adult jails are thirty-six times more likely to commit suicide than youth housed in juvenile detention facilities. They also have higher recidivism rates than those tried in juvenile court (Grav). The United States remains the only nation to sentence juveniles to life without parole. Since children 's development is based on the various backgrounds they come from, juvenile offenders should only be tried as adults if they are at the age of reason and have committed a dangerous crime. Development of a child reflects how he or she acts in society (Kennedy, Burnett and Edmonds 315). Their background environment shapes their overall character. It can leave a child with negative or positive effects. A child 's

They understand the concept of responsibility. Juveniles who are at an age of reason are more likely to own up to the crimes they committed. Even though these juveniles committed a crime, they are capable of knowing right from wrong (Khan). Additionally, it is more acceptable for these juveniles because they are almost at a legal age. Knowing they will be closer to eighteen and almost an adult, it would not be absurd to try the juveniles in adult court. Not only would it teach these young adults a lesson, but it would make them realize they cannot always escape the law (Malanceva). Truly, juveniles should only be tried as adults when they are at an acceptable age. Crime is also a main factor when dealing with the punishment of a juvenile offender. Convicting a juvenile as an adult when they have not committed a dangerous crime is uncalled for. It should only be acceptable when the juveniles are a serious threat to the people around