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2007-01-22 05:41:15 · 46 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
why is there a variation? If you are subject to the same penalty's under the law. 17 year olds should have the same rights.
2007-01-22 06:43:15 · update #1
The only difference is one is allowed to buy tobacco products, vote, and buy lottery tickets. That's it. Mentally, they are about the same. Even though 18 year olds are of legal age doesn't make them mature adults. All 18 year olds are either seniors in high school or have just stepped into the world of working full time, college, and paying bills. With age comes wisdom, which ultimately resorts to maturity.
2007-01-22 06:03:13 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is NOT a bright line test...cvq. that's a term that belongs elsewhere.
the age of 18 for legal purposes is a sheerly arbitrary number. it used to be 21, and even earlier than that, many people who were getting inheritances weren't permitted before the age of 25 to do so. the decision is made by society an society changes its mind over time. it makes sense to make it 18 because that is when our public school system generally matriculates its seniors, thus those people must go do something now; either more school (usually away from home) or a job.
however, the age of majority could change at any time, as there's no medical reason it was established at 18 in the first place.
as far as a judge being permitted to use her own reason as to sentencing...you have a point. however, its becoming less of a point when considering minors and those who are of age, because so many minors are being sentenced like adults, its not quite the same as it was even 15 years ago.
historically, judges have held more mystique and respect than your usual politician. but with time, judges have proven themselves to be human, along with congress attempting to look good by 'being tough on crime' and thus the sentencing guidelines were born. these drastically, and unreasonably restrict a judge's options when considering unique circumstances to crime. this also boils down to a society thing. there are shifts in the belief of what jail should do. sometimes it is to get the prisoner to be able to be reintroduced into society as a productive, lawabiding citizen...thus for different people with different circumstances, the same crime could reasonably carry much different penalties. however, the current idea is "do the crime, do the time" or retribution/justice. under this thought, it doesn't matter why or how...stealing a loaf of bread carries the same sentence for everyone, regardless of situation.
2007-01-22 05:55:14 · answer #2 · answered by ladylawyer26 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At 17 and below, most crimes that are commited by that person will be tried in juvenile court, their identities are protected, the punishment is generally less severe (but still never harsh enough for the crime committed), and when they become an adult the criminal record is either expunged or sealed.
At 18, that same person will get tried in a regular court (punishments often still do not fit the crime), and your record is permanent. It will be seen by prospective employers and is a matter of public record.
If you are considering a life of crime, keep in mind that there are always exceptions to the rule. Some states or districts may try to get a case handled so that the person is tried as an adult, in which case you will be starting your criminal record early.
2007-01-22 05:49:38 · answer #3 · answered by SteveN 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The United States government does not declare you "legal" until age 18. Therefore, 17 is still considered a minor while 18 is an adult.
2007-01-22 05:44:25 · answer #4 · answered by Am I. Incognito 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
An 18 year old is a 17 year old with one year experience.
2007-01-22 05:46:17 · answer #5 · answered by Beautiful_nightmare 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
age difference is the first, then there is the rights you have like-voting, government help, and as 17 you are a minor and your legal guardian has the ability to say what you can and can't do, unless the 17-year-old has an order by a court giving them full responsibility for themselves.
2007-01-22 05:50:29 · answer #6 · answered by joshuarowlan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A 17-year-old is still a minor and the parents or guardians are responsible for their actions;an 18-year-old is considered an adult who is responsible for their own actions and can be arrested once they turn 18.
2007-01-22 05:49:31 · answer #7 · answered by jsimpkinsv2002 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you are 18 you are classified as an adult by law and at 17 you are still a teenager
2007-01-22 05:45:08 · answer #8 · answered by Aidan D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a bright line test which is generally thought to be a good standard and easy to apply - just check the birthdate!
But it may be arbitrary in practice.
I've known some 22 year olds who were not as mature emotionally and mentally as some 16 year olds.
But society has decided in general that once you're 18 you are mature enough to sign contracts, etc.
Nothing magical happens on your 18th birthday. But neither does anything special happen at midnight on New Year's Eve! They are both purely "legal" events, but with far-reaching consequences.
Again, the line has to be drawn somewhere.
Emancipation procedures are available for special cases.
2007-01-22 05:44:13 · answer #9 · answered by American citizen and taxpayer 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
1 year.
2007-01-22 05:43:00 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋