Juveniles Sentence to Life Without Parole

The United States is only one of a few countries in the world to sentence juveniles to life in prison without the possibility of parole. More then 130 countries have completely banned life sentenses for juveniles. Many countries believe that juveniles can be rehabilitated and that children are not mentally developed until they turn 20. Forty-two states have laws allowing juveniles to be sentenced to life without parole. In 22 out of the 42 states, it is mandatory to sentence anyone found guilty of committing first-degree murder, despite their age. To add, we have ten states that have no minimum age for sentencing children to life without parole. There are over 2,200 child offenders serving life for crimes that were committed before they turned 18. [1] Amoung those offenders, 60% were sentenced to life for their first ever criminal conviction. [1] A senior human rights researcher states that, "Children who committ violent crimes should not go scot-free; but if they are too young to vote or buy cigarettes, they are too young to spend the rest of their lives behind bars."

Sadly, once children are convicted and sentenced to life, they are sent to adult prisons and experience harsh conditions. Sentencing a child to life in prison is cruel and unusual punishment and unconstitutional. Some of these children did not take the life of another, therefore, they should be given a second chance at life. They must live amongst sexual predators and face joining adult gangs. In April, the Equal Justice Initiative reported that at least 73 U.S. inmates, majority are minorities, have been sentenced to life in prison for crimes committed when they were 14 or younger. Some of these children are victims themselves and they commit crimes for attention. If they were given the needed tools then maybe one day they can succeed in society. The Supreme Court will review and determine whether sentencing juveniles to life violates the Constitution.

1. http://www.usnews.com/

Juveniles Living the Fast Life

Throughout our society crimes are being committed on a daily basis. It is quite disturbing that more and more of these crimes are being committed by juveniles. Over the last two decades, the number of juveniles living in poverty has grown 42% and this caused an increase in crimes by juveniles. Many of these individuals do not have a positive vision for the future and they lack long term goals. Not only do those who are less fortunate engage in dangerous activities, they also acquire their goods illegally as a way out. The Los Angeles Times reported many juveniles were either neglected or abused growing up. In addition, a number of these juveniles were raised in a single family home. According to the star tribune, several teenagers believe they are going to die young and this is why they are so out of control. The University of Minnesota surveyed 20,000 teenagers ranging from seventh to twelfth grade. The survey revealed that nearly 15% said they had a 50-50 chance or less of making their thirty-fifth birthday. Researchers also found out that juveniles who have a negative outlook on life are more likely to put themselves and others in danger by using drugs, consuming large amounts of alcohol having unprotected sex and attempting suicide. Nearly 3 in 10 American Indians, and 1 in 4 blacks, expected to die young, compared to 1 in 10 whites. The media and increased availability of guns play a huge part in the number of crimes committed by juveniles. In Los Angeles, cases involving juveniles with weapons have increased more then 80%. More family life and less exposure to violence can decrease juveniles committing violent crimes.

Why Juvenile Delinquency?

In America, juveniles are treated differently compared to adults. The courts focus is on rehabilation and help rather then punishment. Many are dealt with informally which is from an outside agency. Juvenile delinquency relates to minors who break laws, trauncy and in most cases are unsupervised by an responsible adult. Juvenile delinquency is on the rise across our country. It's becomming a common trend amongst children who come from broken families. Young males make up the bulk of delinquents because they grow up without positive role models and mimic the negative behavior they witness. Recreational activities may be an option but they are too expensive for the less fortunate and they don't cease delinquency but help to alter decision making. In a juvenile spare time, they would rather participate in activities they may hinder their future. This issuse is complex and can be decreased with proper research and intervention. Juveniles commit crimes for a multitude of reasons. For example, some may steal food because they are not receiving nourishing at home, others are deprived of attention, and many are suffering from abuse of home. Whatever the reason is, juvenile delinquency rates are on the rise and not much as been done about it. Finally, I chose this topic because I wanted to examine the crimes committed by minors. These same minors are also our future.