Posted by Dinah on March 1, 2006, at 22:28:08
In reply to Juvenile Justice?, posted by Racer on March 1, 2006, at 17:04:15
I've got no problem with juveniles being held accountable for their actions. Not a five year old, but a thirteen or fourteen year old, yes.
We mature all our lives. I'm watching tapes of me in my twenties, and just cringing. But I knew better than to kill or rob or point a gun at someone well before I was eighteen. My son has known it for many years already. Psychologically mature he may not be, but he could easily comprehend the results of his actions. By the age that children are allowed to be left unattended, I am assuming that we are admitting that they have a minimally appropriate level of accountability. In most states that's what? Thirteen? Twelve maybe even.
There are people with biologically poor impulse control all their lives. People of fifty with less impulse control than many fifteen year olds.
Any mitigating factors such as mental illness can always be brought up at trial.
I don't think they should be in adult prisons though.
poster:Dinah
thread:614721
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/poli/20060204/msgs/614839.html