Should 10 & 11 year olds be charged?

[epchick]

Originally Posted by AKA_Monet

A 10 year old do not have discernment yet. Discernment happens with a combination of age, biology (genetics), education and life-experience. Obviously, a 10 year old does not have the life-experience, education or age to really know the consequences of his or her actions.

I'm sorry, i think this complete crap. I got suspended in 6th grade for fighting--I was 11. I knew that there was consequences for my actions, to say that a 10/11 year old wouldn't understand is either underestimating a child, or bad parenting. Sure a 10 year old who hasn't ever been punished in their life wouldn't know the difference between right and wrong. But i've asked my 12 & 13 year old cousins about this, and their response---"put them in jail!"

But when something this wrong happens, i'm sorry, there should be consequences whether the child understands or not.

And I think if the parents don't do anything, something should be done for that as well.

[UGAalum94]

In this thread and others I've seen people make the claim about how crimes can be prevented with more upfront costs. What is it that you think can be offered socially?

I think the problems come from a breakdown in the family and in a shared sense of community. I don't think either can be promoted with increased spending.

What do you have in mind?

[AKA_Monet]

Originally Posted by UGAalum94

In this thread and others I've seen people make the claim about how crimes can be prevented with more upfront costs. What is it that you think can be offered socially?

I think the problems come from a breakdown in the family and in a shared sense of community. I don't think either can be promoted with increased spending.

What do you have in mind?

@Bolded: We all know what happens when we do nothing or make it worse that tackle the problem head on--we are a witness to it now... We do nothing or make it worse (i.e. violating the US Constitution) we will have G-E-N-E-R-A-T-I-O-N-S of clean up all because of anger, ignorance, and stereotype. Where does that get us? Have we truly solve ALL human problems?

It is about VIGILANCE--we must remain vigilant to end this kind of problem. And the thing is, it is not a one size fits all mentality--it is a individualistic, game-time, real-time, IM, live-chat (other 21st century euphemisms) that will solve these problems... Guess what, YOU ALL--Your generation will solve it. Mine is too old now. I'm not going to go out there and get beat down by dogs. Been there, done that. So, guess what, you all got recruited...

So, now that you find yourselves in this midst of this humanity--In medius res--might I suggest that you all use your intellect, your rationalism, your sense of democracy, federalism, pluralism, civility, deism, (all the isms) and upgrade it to be Podcasted, throughout your blogs...

Can you all reach back and make that change? I don't know? But for some reason, I have more faith in your generation--maybe just for today--possibly because the Sun is shining in my area. And to me, IMO that's good enough.

[AKA_Monet]

Originally Posted by epchick

I'm sorry, i think this complete crap. I got suspended in 6th grade for fighting--I was 11. I knew that there was consequences for my actions, to say that a 10/11 year old wouldn't understand is either underestimating a child, or bad parenting. Sure a 10 year old who hasn't ever been punished in their life wouldn't know the difference between right and wrong. But i've asked my 12 & 13 year old cousins about this, and their response---"put them in jail!"

But when something this wrong happens, i'm sorry, there should be consequences whether the child understands or not.

And I think if the parents don't do anything, something should be done for that as well.

When I say discernment, what would be the difference from the stopping, turning and walking away vs. committing acts of violence?

These kids think it is okay to do it and ask forgiveness later... The problem is when it is vicious and lethal, there is no forgiveness involved in that.

Apparently, either these kids NEVER knew the difference between right and wrong or they just don't give a damn. Probably both... Which means in America, we are in dire straits.

I am sorry, I do not want to believe that no matter how true. Call me delusional or looking through rose colored glasses, but has humanity gotten that bad in morals and ethics?