Sentencing Juveniles Essay

The argument of sentencing juveniles for heinous crimes has been an issue for many years. Some believe that the sentencing of juveniles sufficient in trying to rehabilitate them and some feel sentencing is insufficient. Some crimes, like murder, are so heinous that no matter what the person’s age is that they deserve to lose their freedom. It is believed that juveniles are not ready to take the blame for their actions like an adult would because they are not mentally able to handle the judicial systems. Imprisonment is traumatic, and I am sure more so for juveniles; everyone must be accountable for their actions especially in order to learn from their consequences they receive. Laws should not be adjusted for anyone and not for any reason.
Juveniles are treated with different laws, known as Juvenile Law, and the laws are very different compared to the same laws for adults when it comes to committing crimes; these crimes are generally heard in a juvenile court of law. The Laws for governing juveniles are mostly legislated and controlled by the individual states. By the doctrine of parens patriae, “The power of the state to act as guardian for those who are unable to care for themselves, such as children or disabled individuals.” (Cornell) For example, a judge under the state’s authority can change custody or any other ruling that affects a child well-being, no matter if the parents agree or not. This is used in determining the outcome of a juvenile court case; if the child will be questioned, taking into custody, etc. The courts can determine whether an act committed by a juvenile will
Committing a crime cannot be explained and pardon by science nor can it be corrected by science. Everyone is different and learn differently, children learn differently than adults. Juveniles do not need to be put in prison with adults, but they do need to treat juveniles with the same consequences as adults. There is no reasoning for rape, murder or other heinous crimes when committed neither by a juvenile nor by an adult. There is proof that putting juvenile with adults in prison, juvenile institutions does not rehabilitate, but in some juvenile cases this has been the sentence for harsher punishments for a severe crime. All criminals should receive counseling, training for employment and probation. Juveniles are not the only criminals that need rehabilitation. Consequences are not just strictly punishment; they must include a way to learn from the mistakes as well as receive a punishment. Intervention is another way of helping the juveniles learn and make better choices in their lives. Intervention, according to Juvenile Crime Law “a multi-systematic interventions including mentorship, working with families, cognitive behavior therapy and the use of positive role models” is believe to be a productive way to help the juveniles. The juveniles are willing to change but there not enough trained professionals to offer services such