Thursday, May 2, 2013
Trying Juveniles as Adults
Whether one is fifteen or fifty years old and he/she has committed a crime, this is not only astonishing to think about but also difficult to imagine. In Greg Krikorian's article, "Many Kids Called Unfit for Adult Trial..", Krikorian describes how many juveniles who are tried as adults may be unable to stand trial because they are unable "emotionally and intellectually" to contribute to their own defense. I am both ways on the entire situation of charging juveniles as adults. Yes, if a minor committed a severe crime, such as murdering an elder, they should face a much more serious consequence than an individual who robs a store. I do not believe however, that such consequences can influence minor on the act committed. The Atlantic Month specifies how Whitman developed a tumor which caused the series of shots which included a receptionist, two families, and other pedestrians. He damaged his amygdala, initially causing both "emotional and social disturbance". This being said, I don't believe the jury should take into consideration the crime and how "serious" it is based on the person. Factors such as genetics, medication (if applicable) and the environment one is in for most of their time should help the jury decide if minors should be tried as adults. Then again, how can anyone ever really know what to take into account in such a serious manner? Yes, we are given evidence from other individuals who witnessed the crime but we are missing the bigger picture.
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I agree with you on the topic that if as minor commits a severe crime like murder that minor should be charged as an adult because they should know better. But in a different cause like how robbing a store then there should have a different punishment.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with you completely kids should not be left unpunished for a murder, but we should have some sort of outline to follow to put the minors in jail. I also liked how you brought up the environment the person was raised in and this would really help out the case's outcome.
ReplyDeleteI respect and kind of agree with what you stated but I also disagree to some of your comments. For example when you said "He damaged his amygdala, initially causing both "emotional and social disturbance". This being said, I don't believe the jury should take into consideration the crime and how "serious" it is based on the person." I believe this should be taken in consideration because that person did not know he/she had a tumor and the tumor grew in a part where it changed the persons preferences and needs. They were in no control of what was happening to them they knew something was wrong but they did not know what. If they would have never had that tumor they most likely had never committed the crime.
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