I believe the two main issues facing society are the manner in which juveniles are treated, and how do we establish guilt (concept of mens rea) when juveniles see and understand the world differently than adults (Carroll, 2015). The Supreme Court has determined in several cases, Miller v. Alabama (2012), Graham v. Florida (2010), and Roper v. Simmons (2005), that juveniles are different than adults. Juveniles have different thought processes and cognitive abilities, thus making them less culpable. However, in regards to the 5th, 8th, and 14th amendments, they are afforded the same rights adult counterparts, but may not receive the death penalty or life without parole.
When the juvenile system was established in 1889, juveniles were seen
When the juvenile system was established in 1889, juveniles were seen