Why Kids Make Mistakes

789 Words4 Pages

Zack Storvick
BTC English
Diggins - P6

Juvenile Justice

Kids make mistakes, but where do you draw the line between a bad idea or a bad intention? This controversy isn’t new and has been debated and studied throughout decades. Juveniles who have committed serious crimes should be tried and punished as an adult in the court of law. This is based on the fact that they are aware of the situation, kids need a proper punishment for the crime and that there are already laws existing that help keep dangerous people away from society.

A juvenile who has committed a crime is aware of their actions. Kids today are more knowledgeable at a younger age and understand the implications of violence and how to use weapons. A 13 year old boy from Michigan was charged with premeditated murder of his mom’s fiancé. The boy claimed the shooting was an …show more content…

Juvenile crimes are serious, and need adult punishment "The rate of murders by kids has indeed been skyrocketing across the country. According to the National Crime Analysis Project of Northeastern University in Massachusetts, the number of 17-year-olds arrested for murder climbed 121% in the latter half of the '80s; the number of 16-year-olds by 158 per cent; and the number of 15-year-olds by 217%.” (“Jailing Juveniles”) by Steve Bogira, 1993. As there is no action without reaction, there shouldn’t be a crime without punishment afterwards. Even juveniles are subject to laws and are supposed to behave accordingly. If they didn 't, it would be unjust to let them - almost freely - get away with it. The end result of a heinous crime remains the same, no matter who commits it. Our justice system depends on holding perpetrators responsible for their actions. Harsh sentencing acts as an obstacle to kids who are considering committing a crime. Light sentences don 't teach kids the lesson they need to learn: If you commit a terrible crime, you will spend a considerable part of your life in