The Eighth …show more content…
Research on children ages 8-17 indicates a lack in consistency and accuracy in understanding the legal system. While some children view prison as a positive (e.g. the presence of televisions), others view prison as a negative (e.g. bad food and toilets in the room). Additionally, other studies show that the age of a minor is imperative in the understanding of the justice system. As early as four years old, children can grasp and understand concepts such as police and law. But, before the age of nine, children are unable to conceptualize key concepts of the justice system such as the court process; they are unable to understand the meaning of terms like evidence, oath or prosecution. It has been concluded that minors under the age of ten years old cannot fully understand what it means to be prosecuted or other important factors in trying adults (Folk et al,