Juveniles being tried as adults is a controversial and complex issue that has garnered a great deal of attention from lawmakers, legal experts, and the general public. On one hand, proponents of trying juveniles as adults argue that it is necessary to hold young offenders accountable for their actions and to protect society from dangerous criminals. On the other hand, opponents argue that trying juveniles as adults is unjust because young people are still developing and may not fully understand the consequences of their actions.
One of the main arguments in favor of trying juveniles as adults is that it can deter future crime and protect society. Supporters of this approach argue that by imposing severe punishments on young offenders, we can send a message that crime will not be tolerated and that individuals will be held accountable for their actions. Additionally, some proponents argue that trying juveniles as adults can help to protect society from dangerous criminals who may pose a threat to public safety.
However, there are also several compelling arguments against trying juveniles as adults. First and foremost, many opponents argue that young people are still developing and may not fully understand the consequences of their actions. This can be particularly true for younger juveniles who may be more impulsive and less able to control their behavior. As a result, opponents argue that it is unfair to hold young people to the same standards as adults and to subject them to the same level of punishment.
Another argument against trying juveniles as adults is that it can have negative long-term consequences for the individual and for society. Research has shown that juveniles who are tried as adults and sentenced to adult prisons are more likely to recidivate and to have higher rates of substance abuse and mental health issues compared to those who are tried and sentenced in the juvenile justice system. Additionally, trying juveniles as adults can result in a lifetime of stigma and difficulty finding employment and housing, which can negatively impact their future prospects and contribute to the cycle of poverty and crime.
In terms of the effectiveness of trying juveniles as adults, the evidence is mixed. Some studies have found that trying juveniles as adults can be effective at reducing crime, particularly for more serious offenses. However, other studies have found that trying juveniles as adults may not have a significant impact on crime rates and may even increase the likelihood of recidivism.
Overall, the issue of whether juveniles should be tried as adults is complex and requires a nuanced approach. While it is important to hold young offenders accountable for their actions and to protect society, it is also important to consider the unique developmental characteristics of young people and the potential long-term consequences of trying them as adults. Ultimately, the decision of whether to try a juvenile as an adult should be based on a thorough evaluation of the individual circumstances of the case and the potential impact on the individual and society.
