“Old enough to do the crime, old enough to do the time,” Not only is this a catchy phrase that is gaining popularity, but it also represents a departure from the purpose with which the juvenile justice system was originally created over one hundred years ago‒to protect and rehabilitate young offenders. In an ideal world, counseling and rehabilitation would be enough for juvenile criminals, but oftentimes for repeat or violent offenders, this is just not enough. In the majority of cases involving violent crimes juvenile offenders must face the consequences of their actions and be tried as adults.
Violent crime rates among juvenile offenders are increasing. Juveniles now are more likely than ever before to be the perpetrators of serious and deadly …show more content…
Trying juveniles in the adult criminal court system is a tool reserved for the most serious, violent, and chronic offenders who rightfully must face more serious consequences for their crimes than those available in juvenile court. Data from 40 urban counties was used to describe the characteristics of thousands of juveniles charged with felonies in state courts. The findings indicated that the prosecution of juveniles in criminal court is generally reserved for those charged with the crimes of murder, robbery, and aggravated assault (“BJS”). This means that prosecution in adult criminal court is reserved for the most serious juvenile offenders. Juveniles charged with truancy and other small offenses are remaining in the juvenile justice system where first-time or nonviolent offenders can be rehabilitated and receive proper counseling.
Today, victims of violent crime are more likely to face a juvenile offender. According to the U.S. Department of Justice Justice Programs, about 1 in 2 juvenile victims of violent crime faced a juvenile offender, and about 1 in 10 adult victims of violent crime faced a juvenile offender. Prosecuting violent juvenile offenders in adult criminal court is necessary to protect public safety and is becoming more and more appropriate as victims of violent crime are increasingly faced by a
Violent crime rates among juvenile offenders are increasing. Juveniles now are more likely than ever before to be the perpetrators of serious and deadly …show more content…
Trying juveniles in the adult criminal court system is a tool reserved for the most serious, violent, and chronic offenders who rightfully must face more serious consequences for their crimes than those available in juvenile court. Data from 40 urban counties was used to describe the characteristics of thousands of juveniles charged with felonies in state courts. The findings indicated that the prosecution of juveniles in criminal court is generally reserved for those charged with the crimes of murder, robbery, and aggravated assault (“BJS”). This means that prosecution in adult criminal court is reserved for the most serious juvenile offenders. Juveniles charged with truancy and other small offenses are remaining in the juvenile justice system where first-time or nonviolent offenders can be rehabilitated and receive proper counseling.
Today, victims of violent crime are more likely to face a juvenile offender. According to the U.S. Department of Justice Justice Programs, about 1 in 2 juvenile victims of violent crime faced a juvenile offender, and about 1 in 10 adult victims of violent crime faced a juvenile offender. Prosecuting violent juvenile offenders in adult criminal court is necessary to protect public safety and is becoming more and more appropriate as victims of violent crime are increasingly faced by a