Juvenile Sentencing

Paper Summary:

The paper explains that due to the increase of school shootings and other serious crimes committed by adolescents that have grabbed national media attention, many believe that juveniles should be sentenced to adult correctional systems. Yet, the paper relates that today, many politicians are poised to abandon this approach. The paper discusses those who have a positive view towards the juvenile justice system who claim that what is needed is adequate funding and support to make the system work properly.

From the Paper:

"Shay Bilchik, president and CEO of the Child Welfare League of America, writes in the April 2003 issue of Correction Today, that the United States has taken a dramatic step toward prosecuting far too many juveniles in the adult correctional system (Bilchik). Laws in the United States recognize that juveniles are too young to consume alcohol, vote, engage in legal contracts and enter into marriage because they are not fully developed mentally and emotionally (Bilchik). The juvenile justice system, created by legislators, is based on the belief that adolescents have much to learn, and that early interventions will alter their paths toward delinquent behavior (Bilchik). Yet today, many politicians are poised to abandon this approach."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bilchik, Shay. "Sentencing juveniles to adult facilities fails youths and society."Corrections Today. April 1, 2003. Retrieved November 30 2006 from HighBeam Research Library.
• Feld, Barry C. "Abolish the juvenile court: youthfulness, criminal responsibility, and sentencing policy. Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology. September 22, 1997. Retrieved November 30 2006 from HighBeam Research Library.
• Grisso, Thomas. "The evolution of adolescence: a developmental perspective on juvenile justice reform. Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology. September 22, 1997. Retrieved November 30 2006 from HighBeam Research Library.
• Hellwege, Jean. "Federal judge rules Connecticut juvenile justice system violates kids' constitutional rights." Trial. May 1, 2002. Retrieved November 30 2006 from HighBeam Research Library.
• Lawlor, Mike. "Juvenile Crime: Mike Lawlor." Congressional Testimony.Federal Document Clearing House. March 11, 1999. Retrieved November 30 2006 from HighBeam Research Library.

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