Should Juveniles Be Tried As Adults

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Being tried as adults sends these juveniles to state penitentiaries and sentences up to life in prison without parole and even execution in some places. But is this truly an effective punishment? Do these juveniles have the capability to truly comprehend the crimes they are committing? Is there an age limit for setting off these juveniles into the adult justice system? Is there someone or something behind the actions of these adolescent wrongdoers? These questions leave us wondering if this action really is efficient, or is there a better way of treating adolescent crooks. In my opinion, sentencing juveniles to be tried as adults is unethical because juveniles are not fully developed psychologically.
In the article, “Getting the Juvenile-Justice System to Grow Up” he verifies the fact that each year, “some 200,000 youths are tried, sentenced or imprisoned as adults” (Ken Stier). He also argues how many supporters dispute that juveniles are not being given an adequate amount of a chance to turn their lives around after taking part of minor offenses. I agree with Stier. I believe that juveniles have a greater chance than adults to make a change in their lives with the right aid, therapy and rehabilitation. “There has been new brain research showing that the full development of the frontal lobe, where rational decisions are made, does not happen until the early to mid 20s” (Ken Stier). This proves how delinquents are not making rational decisions based on their own brain. Therefore, this is one of the reasons why juveniles should not be tried as adults.
A psychological difference between an adult’s criminal mind and a minor’s is established in the article, “The Competence-Related Abilities of Adolescent Defendants in Criminal Court...

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...organizations run by criminal masterminds who assure them a way out of poverty and depression. The different circumstances are endless, but I suppose they should not be put into adult penitentiaries, particularly those younger than eighteen. They should be positioned with those in their age group even though their sentencing can be that of an adult.
In conclusion, juveniles should not be tried as adults. We aren’t born devious and malevolent. People are formed into who they become. It’s absolutely normal that people adapt and are influenced by their learning, social, and atmospheric environment. However, I am not saying that this is a reason to commit a crime. There comes a time in our lives when we have to choose who to be. Do we pursue the unpleasant behavior of those who envelop us, or do we make a difference and shine among the evildoers, like a true citizen?

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