Debate: In some cases juveniles should be tried as adults - Debatepedia. Juveniles and the Justice Sytem. Juvenile criminal justice is not the slap-on-the-wrist type of system it used to be. In recent years, the United States has taken a “get tough” approach and is trying more and more juveniles as adults, according to a PBS report. The report also states that this has not been effective in reducing the rate of juvenile crime. Studies have not shown any evidence of increased deterrence. A study conducted in Texas showed that juveniles sentenced as adults did (except in rare cases) receive lengthier sentences than those tried in juvenile court. Now more than ever, juveniles must be aware that the system’s leeway is dissolving.
While this lack of leniency may seem like a brand-new method for dealing with young offenders, it is really a reversion back to older views and practices. The New York House of Refuge was established by the Society for the Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency 1825 and it was the first institution built solely for juvenile inmates.
Cause and effect. Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) - Juvenile defendants. Dataset from 40 urban counties used to describe the characteristics of more than 7,000 juveniles charged with felonies in state courts. The findings indicated that prosecution of juveniles in criminal court is generally reserved for those charged with the quite serious crimes of murder, robbery, and aggravated assault. Juvenile defendants in criminal courts Under certain circumstances, juvenile defendants (as defined by state law) can be considered adults and tried in criminal courts. A BJS study conducted in 40 of the nation's largest urban counties found-- An estimated 7,100 juvenile defendants were charged with felonies in adult criminal court in 1998.
In criminal courts in these 40 counties, juveniles (64%) were more likely than adults (24%) to be charged with a violent felony. These juvenile defendants were generally treated as serious offenders, as 52% did not receive pretrial release, 63% were convicted of a felony, and 43% of those convicted received a prison sentence. Justice. Resolved: In the United States, juveniles charged with violent felonies ought to be treated as adult. Pro My opponent seems to assume that, juveniles possibly being punished less would not uphold deontological standards. In fact, this actually proves my case. Juveniles, due to their age, shouldn't receive as harsh punishment as adults. But this does not justify a juvenile system that treats an individual who commits a crime the day before they are 18 as fundamentally different than someone the day after they are 18. By allowing juveniles to be tried in adult court, we allow the court to consider the maturity of the individual when determining punishment.
The difference is that we do not set an arbitrary line at the day one turns 18 that classifies people under 18 as irrational and those over 18 as rational. My opponent states that prosecutors can make exceptions and try juveniles in adult court. My opponent then goes on to discuss how a juvenile is not as culpable as an adult. Furthermore, my opponent makes a HUGE CONTRADICTION.
Con I don't believe I contradicted myself at all.