On the one hand, I totally agree with you. If you commit the crime, you must do the time... Adult punishment for adult crimes...
On the other hand, if you incarcerate teens with criminal adults, I believe the studies show that it is nearly impossible to rehabilitate any teenager who commited any kind of crime, severe or not...
And most teens that commit heinious crimes usually have severe mental disorders that are left untreated or undiagnosed (i.e. psychosis, schizophrenia, physical or sexual abuse issues, etc.), which may be an infringement with the mental disabilities act--but that may only be for capital punishments... I am not a lawyer.
However, adults who also commit similar heinious crimes have severe mental disorders that are also untreated or undiagnosed... So that arguement alone is weak...
But children--and teens under 18 are legally still children in this country--are thought not to be responsible for their actions.
Your questions really create a dilemma, huh?
So for me, individual assessment of the crime and judging each case would be critical. But that's my opinion.
Quote:
Originally posted by BetteDavisEyes
I can't find the link to the stories so I'll make it brief.
In Anaheim, California, a 14 year old male was arrested for the brutal kidnapping, assault, and rape of at least 4 victims. He is to be tried as an adult if the D.A. gets his way.
In another case, 4 Caucasian teenage males were arrested for severely beating and attacking a African-American male. They are being charged with assault and a hate crime b/c of the racial slurs they were heard screaming by witnesses.
What do you guys think? Should teens be tried as adults for the crimes they commit?
I think they should depending on the severity of the crime. Rape, murder, assault, etc. are definitely crimes that should be tried in adult court.
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