Abstract
Are the states too tough on young offenders?
When juvenile crime rates soared in the mid-1990s, nearly every state began prosecuting and incarcerating minors as adults. But the rise in crime quickly turned into a steady decline, and by 1997 the juvenile homicide rate had dropped to its lowest level in 25 years. But occasional schoolyard shootings and other high-profile incidents of youth violence have kept the nation's focus on juvenile crime. As a result, most states still have tough juvenile justice laws, and many states continue to treat juvenile offenders as incorrigible adults, including many charged with non-violent offenses. Prosecutors say strict laws are still necessary to protect the public, but critics say such policies cause grave harm to the nation's youth — and to society at large.
Charles “Andy” Williams, 15, charged with the murder of two fellow students in Santee, Calif., is arraigned. (AP Photos/Nancee E. Lewis)
I might use this simply to show the rising problem with Juvenile crime.
Abstract
Should violent youths get tougher punishments?
The number of juveniles under age 18 arrested for murder, rape, robbery and aggravated assault increased by 50 percent between 1987 and 1991, according to the FBI. Now lawmakers at the state and federal levels are scrambling to respond to Americans who see crime as their prime worry, and juvenile punishment as too short and too soft. Topping the agenda for many state legislatures are proposals to give adult sentences to violent youths, outlaw gun possession by minors and build more boot camps for juveniles. But while the public and many experts call for harsher penalties for violent youths, others say the current trend toward punitive treatment unfairly targets youths who are amenable to rehabilitation -- and doesn't put a dent in the problem.
I might use this source simply to show the challenge that each individual state has to keep up with the rising issues of Juvenile Justice.
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