Equality vs. Equity

          Many claim that in order to hold children accountable for their acts, juveniles should be treated like adults in the criminal system. Arguing that, “detaining young offenders is a way of lowering our future crime rates in America.” Those who oppose that way of thinking believe that treating adolescents as adults put them at risk of abuse and undermines the claim that doing so will lower crime. Whether or not to hold adolescents accountable or offer them the chance for rehabilitation is what will be discussed in this article. 

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          While it may be seen by some that treating juvenile offenders as adults might be cruel, others agree that it is the best idea for reformation. Students were asked to express their opinion on this topic and one states, “I think that it might seem or be cruel to treat kids around the age of 10 like adults, but when it comes to crimes, I believe that they should be tried as adults depending on the crime.” Evidently, it can be argued that the severity of the crime or offense should determine the kind of punishment and the seriousness it is taken with. After all, it is a way to make sure they are held accountable for their actions and understand that there are consequences to their actions

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          Some experts argue that the current system in which juveniles are given lesser punishment compared to their adult counterparts works just fine. Psychology professors Lauren Steinberg and Elizabeth Scott argue that regardless of the crime, people under the age of 15 should not be tried as adults as their way of thinking vastly differs from that of adults. During the ages of 12-18, people go through what is called normative adolescent development. During this period, the frontal cortex of the brain, which is responsible for decision-making skills, develops during this period. While this may not apply to crimes such as murder, it does insinuate that teenagers should be charged with lesser punishments as some parts of the brain are not developed to the same extent as an older individual committing the same crime.

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          Alternatively, further options could be explored regarding punishment for juvenile offenders. When asking students what actions could be taken toward them, a range of responses was received. One student commented, “There should be bigger punishments.”, while another stated, “I think juveniles should be taught about the harms and damages of committing any types of crimes in more depth to gain understanding on how the law works,” (11th Grade). Both of these students agreed that juvenile offenders should be tried as adults, but differed in the measures that could be carried out regarding them. It is clear that there are multiple factors to consider when trying juvenile offenders. While not all may agree on the same principles, it is obvious that change in the system is needed.

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         All things considered, it is well-known that there are many options to explore in concern to juvenile offenders. Whether the solution is to create harsher punishments or involve rehabilitation, there needs to be a change in the way minors are tried based on the severity of their actions.