The first case that stuck out with me the most was the In re Gault case of 1967. This case focused on a youth named Gerald Gault who was 15 at the time of the supposed offense. I feel this kid was railroad from the beginning his rights were violated in many ways. He did not receive the right to counsel, notice of charges, questioning of witness because the witness did not show up for the proceedings, protection against self-incrimination, a transcript of the proceeding, nor and appellate review all these things were denied. www.ncjrs.gov I believe it was important in establishing the due process clause of the 14th Amendment which was violated. The ruled the juveniles have a right to have all things view except appellate review or transcripts.
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This case changed my outlook far as execution of juveniles. This case involved Simmons a young man that had a murder charge. I feel at age 17 you should be aware of our actions and with the fact that he bragged about the killing was an eye-opener to think of the possibility that this individual could have had mental issues or suffered some type of abuse as a youngster, that may have caused him to carry out this act of violence. I don’t feel he should have been executed due to these possibilities; however, a tough sentence should have been enacted. This case changed the development of sentencing anyone under the age of 18 to death it was ruled cruel and usual punishment. The Supreme Court ruled, “Capital punishment must be limited to offenders who commit a narrow category of the most serious crimes and extreme culpability makes them deserving of execution.” www.casebriefs.com This is due to the fact that juveniles lack maturity and understanding of responsibility. They are also more vulnerable or susceptible to negative influences and outside pressures. The courts also noted that the character of a juvenile is not as well formed as an adult. This case changed the juvenile system forever for some people.
This case changed my outlook far as execution of juveniles. This case involved Simmons a young man that had a murder charge. I feel at age 17 you should be aware of our actions and with the fact that he bragged about the killing was an eye-opener to think of the possibility that this individual could have had mental issues or suffered some type of abuse as a youngster, that may have caused him to carry out this act of violence. I don’t feel he should have been executed due to these possibilities; however, a tough sentence should have been enacted. This case changed the development of sentencing anyone under the age of 18 to death it was ruled cruel and usual punishment. The Supreme Court ruled, “Capital punishment must be limited to offenders who commit a narrow category of the most serious crimes and extreme culpability makes them deserving of execution.” www.casebriefs.com This is due to the fact that juveniles lack maturity and understanding of responsibility. They are also more vulnerable or susceptible to negative influences and outside pressures. The courts also noted that the character of a juvenile is not as well formed as an adult. This case changed the juvenile system forever for some people.