Why when a 14 or 15 year-old commits a crime, the people shout that they should be tried as adults and handed adult sentences. They release their full wrath on this "child" without mercy. But if an adult has sex with a 15 year-old, it's "Oh this poor child." and the child is so young and innocent, without sin, etc. This is even if the child participated freely and without coersion. Why the double standard?
2006-08-28 18:27:20 · 8 answers · asked by Speaking_Up 5 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
An adult victimizing a child is never okay. Even a mature child can be manipulated by someone in a power role. This is why teens can have sex with their peers in HS, but not with their math teacher. As they cross the 16 year old boundary in the US, the laws get less harsh as the children are nearly adults and more capable of making decisions.
By the laws of all states I am aware of (CA in particular) a minor effectively cannot commit a crime. Thus, if a 15 year old murders a seven year old, and was not tried as an adult, he would be a 602 W&I violator and would basically just be made a ward of the court for a couple of years. Try explaining to the parents of the victim that justice had then been served.
So 15 year olds may not be able to emotionally and mentally resist the wiles of an older adult in a highly emotional situation for which they are not really prepared. But he or she should know that killing a seven year old is wrong. This is what the court would call a "reasonable expectation." Thus does the court offer both protection for the young people of this country and justice for the victims of serious crimes.
Hope this helps clarify things.
- Cai
2006-08-28 18:40:52 · answer #1 · answered by cailano 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well, I think that the concept is as follows.
If a younger person, let's say that they are 15, does something heinous such as killing someone, we as a people must have some sort of justice. In these situations there is only one person to gain justice from and even though he's younger, he's the only person to blame.
In a situation where an obvious adult is having sexual relations with a younger person, we have an adult and a child. The reason that the adult is considered the bad guy and the child the innocent is that the adult, as an adult, should know better. While the judge may take into account the similiarity in ages and if evidence indicates that the child was in some way willing or leading on the adult, it is still the responsibility of the adult to resist and to have relations only with those considered to be adults.
Hope this helps.
Love as always,
Sebastian
2006-08-29 01:40:30 · answer #2 · answered by octo_boi 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I can tell why they don't need to be con sided adults with having sex with them. My 18 year old son was dating a 15 year old girl with the parents permission and about a month or two into dating she got mad and her and her mother had him charged. He spent six months in the pen for a mutual relationship that the Mom even knew what way going on. She didn't realize how much trouble it would get him into. It ruined his life forever since now even that has to be qualified as a sex offender. That age difference happened everyday. They know what they do but don't know what will happen if they get mad and tell like girls that age do. Since her age was young he couldn't even defend himself in court. She was a minor.
2006-08-29 02:23:13 · answer #3 · answered by 51ain'tbad 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YOUR right...that is a double standard...a child at 14-15 is not fully matured yet. like also, why would they let a 17 year old join the military but they can not enjoy a beer..they are adults to join the military right..?
2006-08-29 01:37:15 · answer #4 · answered by Daniela 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think we should have a double standard for a child who maliciously commits a crime and then puts out a sob story to get people on his or her side. What the hell ever happened to I am responsible for my own actions, so simple as it sounds, if a child commits a crime, he or she should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, regardless of age.
2006-08-29 02:13:53 · answer #5 · answered by super682003 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Because murder or robbery is a definite "wrong".
People are confused about sex and have been for thousands of years.
2006-08-29 01:34:15 · answer #6 · answered by Firefly 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
a child is not a child when he/she picks up a gun or knife and takes a life ok. plain and simple. live by the knife die by the knife. or live your life in a 6x9 cell for eternity.
2006-08-29 01:34:19 · answer #7 · answered by charlesmartinez151 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Very good interesting point, I agree - We should all make up our minds.
2006-08-29 01:33:33 · answer #8 · answered by muffy20052001 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋