Sentencing Children As Adults By Lawrence Gorski

As children, we were told some variation of the phrase that if you do the crime, then you do the time. This phrase acts as a reminder that individuals are responsible for their actions. So, when a child commits a crime, typically the consequence is being sent to a juvenile center. While some argue juveniles should be held responsible, trying juveniles as adults in the justice system fails to consider the developmental differences between children and adults. It harms the principles of rehabilitation and promotes a cycle of violence and injustice within society. In the essay "Sentencing Children as Adults,” author Terence Gorski talks about the negative impacts of trying juveniles as adults in the criminal justice system. Patrick McCormick's

Subjecting juveniles to adult sentencing raises profound concerns regarding human rights, dignity, and the principle of proportionality in punishment. The ethical principles of justice demand that the punishment fits the crime and considers individual factors like age, mental health, and potential for rehabilitation. Treating young offenders, the same as adults, ignores these important principles. Gorski, in "Sentencing Children As Adults", gives the example of a 12-year-old boy who was sentenced to death in prison for an accidental homicide offense, highlighting the extreme consequences of subjecting juveniles to adult sentencing. "Lionel thought he was playing when he emulated the moves and tactics of the professional wrestlers who were his heroes and role models. Lionel, an immature 12-year-old, assumed he could do to other kids what these heroic wrestlers did to each other.Thinking he was playing, Lionel body-slammed, head-kicked, and knee-dropped Tiffany. It was over quickly, too. Lionel was shocked and traumatized to see that he killed Tiffany." Since the judge was unaware of Lionel's intentions and immaturity, he was sentenced to death in prison for the accidental homicide. This tragic case sheds light on the devastating consequences of subjecting juveniles to adult sentencing. Also, in this case, the boy was unsupervised and was lacking guidance. This proves that there can be other factors contributing to why kids might commit crimes. It is crucial to consider the circumstances surrounding juvenile offenders and provide them with appropriate support and guidance to prevent such tragic outcomes. Lack of supervision and guidance can significantly impact a child's behavior and decision-making process, emphasizing the importance of addressing underlying issues in juvenile delinquency