Treating Juveniles As Adults

Paper Summary:

The paper contends that if states wish to essentially take away a juvenile's life through hefty sentences, there must be clear evidence that such a process leads to a better outcome for society as a whole, and for juvenile crime rates. The paper looks at the research for and against this practice and reveals that current research is demonstrating that the process may be highly problematic. The paper concludes that although research is incomplete, it has raised some troubling questions that may one day lead us to more definitively declare that the system is dysfunctional and ineffective.

Outline:
Trending Away From Waivers?
A Questionable Deterrent Effect
Prosecutorial Waivers and Due Process
Monsters or Ordinary Kids?
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Arguably, the two most critical roles of the American justice system are to punish and hopefully rehabilitate criminal offenders. However, when it comes to the most serious crimes, such as premeditated murder, the focus can shift primarily to punishment, and offenders can face incarceration for life, and even execution. These harsh penalties have been extended to juveniles, who often can be waived to adult courts, where they are tried and subsequently imprisoned as adults. Proponents of the waiver system argue that serious crimes deserve the most severe penalties, and that even juveniles understand the basic premise that murder is wrong. Further, some believe that those who commit serious crimes such as murder may be beyond rehabilitation, and should be incarcerated for as long as possible."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Beyer, M. (2006). "Fifty delinquents in juvenile and adult court." American Journal of Orthopsychiatry. April, Vol. 76, Iss. 2.
• Bishop, D. (2004). "Injustice and irrationality in contemporary youth policy." Criminology & Public Policy. Nov. Vol. 3, Iss. 4.
• Daley, C. and Onwuegbuzie, A. (2004). "Attributions toward violence of male juvenile delinquents: A concurrent mixed-methodological analysis." The Journal of Social Psychology. Dec., Vol. 144, Iss. 6.
• Gilliland, E., Hanke, P., Aguilar, M., Pacheco, M., Anagnostakos, S., Donaldson, E., and Murphy, M. (1996). "Jurisdiction and placement of juveniles sentenced as adults: A national overview." Institute for Social Research, University of New Mexico. July. Retrieved Oct. 8, 2007, from http://nmsc.unm.edu/publications/JuvenilesAsAdults.pdf.
• Kupchik, A. (2003). "Prosecuting adolescents in criminal courts: Criminal or juvenile justice?" Social Problems; Aug.

More papers on Treating Juveniles As Adults:

• Argumentative Essay # 88663 : "Juveniles Tried as Adults"
• Essay # 87669 : "Juvenile Delinquency: Should We Try Them As Adults?"
• Essay # 86887 : "Juveniles Being Tried as Adults"

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