Little Adult Criminals: Article Analysis

The essay “Little Adult Criminals” by the New York Times Editorial argues that children of the age 12 or 14 do not have sufficient emotional maturity to control their own impulses or understand their actions and the consequences that come with them, and therefore should not be tried in adult criminal court. The essay gives examples of two 14 year old boys, Lionel Tate and Nathaniel Brazill, who were both charged with murder. This article also includes medical research that shows that teenagers’ brains are still developing to back up their argument that teensagers should not be tried as adults. It also includes studies that have shown that minors who go through the juvenile system are less likely to be arrested again after being released since they are provided rehabilitation, unlike those who serve time in an ordinary prison. This article advances the argument that young teenagers should not be tried in adult criminal court and uses scientific evidence and past cases to back up their argument. I didn’t know much about the issue of juvenile justice but this article helped me understand it more, though it
The essay begins with two examples of 14 year olds convicted and charged with murder and their consequence of serving time in an adult prison. This article then includes evidence with scientific studies and research on the teenage brain and minor in the juvenile system to back up their argument. By using examples and evidence, they are able to support their argument and persuade the readers. The tone of this article is serious as it is about a serious issue in America. The writer keeps the tone serious by being concise on its points and arguments and not veering off the topic. Doing so keeps the readers focused on the topic. By using examples and a clear tone, the writers were able to effectively persuade the