JUVENILE OFFENDERS TRIED AS ADULTS ESSAY

 There is a debate about whether juvenile offenders should be tried as adults in the criminal justice system. Some people argue that juveniles should be tried as adults because they have committed serious crimes and should be held accountable for their actions. Others argue that juvenile offenders should not be tried as adults because they are still developing and may not fully understand the consequences of their actions.

One argument in favor of trying juveniles as adults is that it can serve as a deterrent to other young people who may be considering committing crimes. When juveniles are tried and sentenced as adults, it sends a strong message that crime will not be tolerated, and this can help to prevent other young people from engaging in criminal activity.

Another argument in favor of trying juveniles as adults is that it can provide justice for the victims of juvenile crime. When juveniles commit serious crimes, their victims may feel that the justice system has failed them if the offenders are not held accountable for their actions. By trying juveniles as adults, the justice system can ensure that the victims of juvenile crime receive the justice they deserve.

However, there are also compelling arguments against trying juveniles as adults. One of the main arguments against this approach is that juveniles are still developing and may not fully understand the consequences of their actions. Because of this, they may be more likely to make impulsive, reckless decisions that they would not make as adults. This can make them more susceptible to peer pressure and other outside influences, and it can also make them more vulnerable to exploitation by older, more experienced criminals.

Another argument against trying juveniles as adults is that the juvenile justice system is better equipped to handle young offenders. The juvenile justice system is designed to provide rehabilitation and education for young offenders, with the goal of helping them to become productive members of society. This can be a more effective approach than simply punishing juveniles and hoping that they will learn from their mistakes.

In conclusion, the decision to try juveniles as adults is a complex one, and it is ultimately up to society to decide how best to handle young offenders. While there are compelling arguments on both sides of the issue, it is important to consider all of the factors involved and to weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks of trying juveniles as adults before making a decision.