Juvenile Delinquents
On March 7, 2000, Californians voted in favor of Proposition 21 - The Juvenile Justice Initiative. . The number of crimes committed by juveniles has risen dramatically, and it will continue to rise unless some action is taken. Thus, juvenile offenders should be punished more severely to deter other teenagers from committing crimes and for the safety of all citizens. I am in favor of the requirement that juvenile offenders, age 14 or older, be tried as adults for serious crimes, such as murder or violent sex offenses. Juveniles that commit these serious offenses should be tried and sentenced as an adult, rather than just being given a slap on the wrist. Having more severe punishments for juvenile offenders that commit violent crimes would most likely decrease juvenile offenses. More severe punishment for juveniles would equal less crime, because juveniles would then think twice before breaking the law if they are aware that a severe punishment awaits them. While it is not appropriate for these individuals to be placed in the same facilities as adult offenders, they should receive the same degree of punishment, but in a facility with peers their own age who have committed similar offenses. The juvenile justice system is not
Many people believe that under the guidance of social workers or probation officers that young offenders undergo a type of rehabilitation. So, instead of placing violent juvenile offenders into facilities where they should be treated as prisoners, the juvenile justice system places them into facilities where they receive "guidance" in hopes of rehabilitating them. However, this youth guidance facility usually includes comfortable amenities such as: television, recreational games and sports, better food, and medical care than what one would have at home. This does not set a good example for an offenders' peers. Their peers come to realize that the punishment is not at all that bad. Subsequently, these young offenders will commit the same crimes because they are not afraid of the consequences. If juvenile offenders are punished the same degree as adult offenders, it would possibly strike fear into the hearts of others. As a result, many juveniles may refrain from committing crimes. Many people believe that when juveniles are imprisoned, the development of their criminal traits is only encouraged. When placed in an adult environment at a young age, many believe that the adult prison system will act as a school of crime for juveni
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Approximate Word count = 839
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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