The issue of whether or not juveniles should be tried as adults has been a topic of debate for many years. On one hand, some argue that juveniles should be held accountable for their actions and be treated the same as adults in the criminal justice system. On the other hand, others argue that juveniles should be treated differently due to their still-developing brains and lack of maturity. This research paper will explore the pros and cons of trying juveniles as adults, as well as the potential impacts on the individuals involved and society as a whole.
One argument for trying juveniles as adults is that it serves as a deterrent for future crimes. By imposing harsher penalties on juveniles, it may discourage them from committing crimes in the future. Additionally, it sends a message to the community that crimes, regardless of the perpetrator's age, will not be tolerated.
However, research has shown that trying juveniles as adults does not necessarily deter future criminal behavior. In fact, studies have found that juveniles who are tried as adults are more likely to recidivate, or commit new crimes, than those who are tried in the juvenile justice system. This is likely due to the fact that the juvenile justice system is better equipped to provide rehabilitative services, such as therapy and education, that can help juveniles learn from their mistakes and make positive changes in their lives.
Another argument for trying juveniles as adults is that it holds them accountable for their actions. Some argue that juveniles who commit serious crimes, such as violent offenses or crimes resulting in the death of another person, should be held to the same standards as adults.
However, there are several counterarguments to this line of thinking. One is that juveniles are not fully developed cognitively and emotionally, and therefore may not fully understand the consequences of their actions. This is especially true for younger juveniles, who may not have the same level of judgement and impulse control as adults. Additionally, research has shown that the brains of juveniles are still developing, particularly in the areas related to decision-making and risk assessment. This suggests that juveniles may be more likely to make impulsive or reckless decisions, and may not fully understand the consequences of their actions.
Furthermore, trying juveniles as adults can have negative impacts on their development and well-being. Juveniles who are tried as adults may be more likely to experience trauma and abuse while in adult correctional facilities, which can have long-term impacts on their mental health. They may also be more likely to develop behavioral problems while in adult facilities, due to the lack of age-appropriate programming and services.
In conclusion, the decision to try juveniles as adults is a complex and controversial issue that requires careful consideration of the potential impacts on both the individuals involved and society as a whole. While it is important to hold juveniles accountable for their actions, research suggests that trying them as adults may not be the most effective approach. Instead, it may be more beneficial to provide juveniles with rehabilitation and support in the juvenile justice system, in order to help them learn from their mistakes and make positive changes in their lives.
