The Lionel Tate Case

Paper Summary:

This paper briefly discusses the crime and sentencing of Lionel Tate, who brutally murdered a six-year old girl. It discusses the arguments for and against Tate being tried like an adult and receiving the life sentence. It cites arguments from Amnesty International, as well as other human rights groups, that support reduced sentences for children. It also looks at the tougher stances being taken by the courts in light or more serious juvenile crimes being committed.

From the Paper:

"In 1999, a six year old girl weighing only forty-eight pounds was murdered. Her name was Tiffany Eunick. Tiffany's autopsy revealed that she had suffered a crushed skull, broken ribs and more than thirty internal bruises. Her liver had been shredded and pushed through her rib cage. Yet, despite the heinous nature of this crime, the Broward State Attorney's Office in Florida is now being criticized for trying and convicting the killer, Lionel Tate, as an adult because he committed the crime when he was only twelve years old. Now, the whole issue of how to treat children that are violent criminals is under attack without facing realities of the increases in violent crimes by juveniles, the number of repeat offenders, and the need to implement adequate punishment. "

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