Juvenile Justice: Pros & Cons Of Adult Trials

The debate around whether juveniles should be tried as adults is a complex one, sparking passionate arguments from various perspectives. On one side, there's the need for accountability and justice for victims, while on the other, the focus lies on rehabilitation and the unique vulnerabilities of young offenders. This article dives deep into the advantages and disadvantages of trying juveniles as adults, offering a comprehensive look at this critical issue.

Understanding the Juvenile Justice System

Before we delve into the pros and cons, it's crucial to understand the fundamental principles behind the juvenile justice system. Unlike the adult criminal justice system, which primarily focuses on punishment, the juvenile system emphasizes rehabilitation and treatment. The philosophy is rooted in the belief that young people are more amenable to change and deserve a second chance.

The juvenile justice system typically handles cases involving individuals under a certain age, usually 18, who have committed offenses. The proceedings are often less formal than adult court, and the focus is on addressing the underlying issues that led to the crime, such as family dysfunction, substance abuse, or mental health problems. The goal is to help these young people become productive members of society.

However, there are circumstances where juveniles can be tried as adults. This usually happens in cases involving serious violent crimes, such as murder, rape, or armed robbery. The decision to transfer a juvenile case to adult court is a significant one, with potentially life-altering consequences for the young person involved. It's a decision that weighs heavily on the judge, prosecutors, and the community as a whole.

Advantages of Trying Juveniles as Adults

1. Accountability for Serious Crimes

One of the strongest advantages of trying juveniles as adults is the accountability it provides for serious crimes. When a young person commits a heinous act, such as murder or rape, the community often demands that they be held responsible in the same way an adult would be. Trying them in adult court ensures that the severity of the crime is reflected in the punishment. This can be a crucial factor in providing closure for victims and their families, who may feel that the juvenile justice system's focus on rehabilitation doesn't adequately address the harm caused. The adult system, with its potential for longer sentences and harsher penalties, sends a message that these crimes will not be tolerated, regardless of the perpetrator's age.

2. Deterrence

Another key advantage lies in the deterrent effect. Trying juveniles as adults can send a strong message to other young people that serious crimes will have serious consequences. The fear of facing adult penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, may deter some juveniles from committing violent acts. This is particularly relevant in cases where juvenile crime rates are high or when there's a concern about gang violence or other forms of youth delinquency. While the effectiveness of deterrence is a complex issue with varying opinions and studies, the potential for discouraging crime remains a significant argument in favor of adult trials.

3. Public Safety

Public safety is a paramount concern, and trying juveniles as adults can be seen as a way to protect the community from dangerous offenders. If a juvenile has committed a violent crime and poses a significant risk to society, transferring them to adult court can ensure they are incarcerated for a longer period, potentially beyond the age of majority in the juvenile system. This extended incarceration can provide a measure of safety for the community, preventing the juvenile from committing further crimes while incarcerated. The focus here shifts from rehabilitation to incapacitation, prioritizing the safety of the general public.

4. Justice for Victims

For victims of serious juvenile crimes, the adult justice system can offer a greater sense of justice. Adult courts often have stricter sentencing guidelines and can impose longer sentences than juvenile courts. This can be particularly important in cases where the victim has suffered severe physical or emotional trauma. The feeling that the perpetrator has received an appropriate punishment can be a vital step in the healing process for victims and their families. Additionally, adult courts may offer victims more opportunities to participate in the legal proceedings and make their voices heard.

5. Seriousness of the Offense

In cases involving particularly heinous or violent crimes, the severity of the offense itself can warrant trying a juvenile as an adult. Crimes like murder, aggravated assault, or armed robbery often carry significant penalties in the adult system, reflecting the harm they inflict on individuals and the community. The decision to transfer a juvenile case to adult court is often influenced by the nature of the crime, the use of weapons, and the level of violence involved. The adult system, with its focus on punishment commensurate with the crime, may be seen as the more appropriate venue for these serious offenses.

6. Prior Record

A juvenile's prior record can also be a factor in the decision to try them as an adult. If a young person has a history of violent offenses or has repeatedly failed to respond to interventions in the juvenile system, the court may determine that they are a threat to public safety and should be tried as an adult. This is often seen as a last resort, but it's a way to ensure that repeat offenders face appropriate consequences for their actions. The juvenile system's efforts at rehabilitation may be deemed insufficient in such cases, leading to the transfer to adult court.

7. Rehabilitation Failure

Sometimes, the juvenile justice system may be deemed to have failed in its attempts at rehabilitation. If a juvenile has gone through various programs and interventions without showing significant improvement, the court may decide that the adult system is the only option. This is particularly true in cases where the juvenile continues to commit offenses despite efforts to address the underlying causes of their behavior. The adult system, while not primarily focused on rehabilitation, can still provide structure and supervision that may be necessary for certain offenders.

8. Limited Resources of Juvenile System

In some jurisdictions, the juvenile justice system may have limited resources to handle serious offenders. Overcrowding, understaffing, and a lack of specialized programs can hinder the system's ability to effectively rehabilitate young people who have committed violent crimes. In such cases, transferring a juvenile to the adult system may be seen as a way to ensure they receive the necessary level of supervision and treatment, even if it's within a more punitive environment. This can be a difficult decision, as it acknowledges the limitations of the juvenile system while potentially exposing the young person to the harsher realities of adult prison.

9. Age and Maturity

While age is a primary factor in determining juvenile status, the juvenile's maturity level can also be considered. In some cases, a juvenile may be chronologically young but demonstrate a level of maturity and sophistication that suggests they understand the consequences of their actions and should be held accountable as an adult. This assessment can involve psychological evaluations and consideration of the juvenile's cognitive abilities, social skills, and overall understanding of right and wrong. The focus here is on whether the juvenile possesses the mental capacity to appreciate the severity of their crime.

10. Gang Involvement

Gang involvement can also be a factor in the decision to try a juvenile as an adult. Gangs often engage in violent activities, and juveniles involved in gang-related crimes may pose a significant threat to public safety. Transferring these individuals to the adult system can be a way to disrupt gang activity and send a message that gang violence will not be tolerated. The adult system, with its potential for longer sentences and stricter supervision, can be seen as a more effective deterrent for gang members.

Disadvantages of Trying Juveniles as Adults

1. Lack of Rehabilitation

One of the most significant disadvantages is the lack of rehabilitation in the adult criminal justice system compared to the juvenile system. Adult prisons are often overcrowded and lack the resources to provide effective treatment and rehabilitation programs for young offenders. This can lead to a cycle of recidivism, where the juvenile is released from prison without having addressed the underlying issues that led to their crime. The juvenile system, with its focus on therapy, education, and counseling, is often better equipped to help young people turn their lives around.

2. Increased Risk of Victimization

Juveniles in adult prisons are at an increased risk of victimization. They are often smaller and less experienced than adult inmates, making them vulnerable to physical and sexual assault. This can have devastating effects on their mental and emotional well-being, further hindering their chances of rehabilitation. The adult prison environment can be a harsh and dangerous place for young people, potentially leading to long-term psychological trauma.

3. Negative Impact on Development

Trying juveniles as adults can have a negative impact on their development. The adult prison environment is not conducive to healthy development, and young people may be exposed to negative influences that can further solidify their criminal behavior. The lack of educational opportunities and therapeutic interventions can also hinder their ability to mature into responsible adults. The critical developmental period of adolescence is often disrupted, leading to long-term consequences for their future.

4. Higher Recidivism Rates

Studies have shown that juveniles tried as adults often have higher recidivism rates than those who remain in the juvenile system. This may be due to the lack of rehabilitation in the adult system, as well as the negative effects of being incarcerated with adult offenders. The exposure to a criminal culture and the lack of positive role models can contribute to a cycle of reoffending. The juvenile system, with its focus on addressing the root causes of criminal behavior, may be more effective in preventing future crimes.

5. Stigma and Labeling

Being tried as an adult can carry a significant stigma and labeling, making it difficult for the juvenile to reintegrate into society after release. A criminal record can limit access to education, employment, and housing, making it harder for them to lead a productive life. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and crime, making it even more challenging for the individual to turn their life around. The label of a convicted adult offender can be a significant barrier to social and economic success.

6. Loss of Juvenile Protections

When juveniles are tried as adults, they lose the protections afforded by the juvenile justice system. This includes confidentiality, the right to have their records sealed, and access to specialized treatment programs. The adult system is often more adversarial and less focused on the individual needs of the offender. The loss of these protections can have significant long-term consequences for the young person's future.

7. Disproportionate Impact on Minorities

There is evidence that trying juveniles as adults has a disproportionate impact on minority youth. Studies have shown that minority juveniles are more likely to be transferred to adult court than their white counterparts, even when they have committed similar offenses. This raises concerns about racial bias in the juvenile justice system and the potential for unequal application of the law. Addressing these disparities is crucial for ensuring fairness and equity in the justice system.

8. Costly

Trying juveniles as adults can be costly for the state. Adult prisons are often more expensive to operate than juvenile detention facilities, and the higher recidivism rates associated with adult trials can lead to increased costs in the long run. Investing in effective juvenile justice programs, such as rehabilitation and prevention efforts, may be a more cost-effective way to reduce juvenile crime in the long term. These programs can address the underlying causes of criminal behavior and help young people become productive members of society.

9. Unfair Sentencing

Juveniles tried as adults may face unfair sentencing compared to adults who have committed similar crimes. This can be due to a variety of factors, including the lack of understanding of juvenile development and the pressure to impose harsh penalties in high-profile cases. The adult system may not adequately consider the unique circumstances of juvenile offenders, leading to sentences that are disproportionate to the crime. Ensuring fairness in sentencing requires a careful consideration of the juvenile's age, maturity, and individual circumstances.

10. Limited Access to Education and Treatment

Adult prisons often have limited access to education and treatment programs for young offenders. This can hinder their ability to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in life after release. The juvenile system, with its focus on education and therapy, is often better equipped to provide these services. The lack of opportunities for growth and development in the adult system can perpetuate a cycle of crime and incarceration.

Conclusion

The decision to try juveniles as adults is a complex one, with compelling arguments on both sides. There are clear advantages, such as accountability, deterrence, and public safety, but there are also significant disadvantages, including the lack of rehabilitation, increased risk of victimization, and negative impact on development. Ultimately, the decision must be made on a case-by-case basis, considering the seriousness of the crime, the juvenile's prior record, their maturity level, and the resources available in both the juvenile and adult systems. Finding the right balance between accountability and rehabilitation is crucial for ensuring justice and protecting the community.