Should Minors every really be tried in adult court?

Question

Why? Why not wait until they are 18? since that's when you become an "adult".

Answer 1

The punishment should fit the crime, not necessarily the age of the person committing the crime.

Answer 2

I think it really depends on the crime. A 15 year old who commits premeditated murder was adult enough to kill someone in cold blood and is therefore adult enough to be tried as one. A 15 year old who steals something from a store (assuming it's not the 10th time they've done it and gotten caught) should be tried as a juvenile, not an adult. The punishment should fit the crime, and the more heinous crimes deserve the worst punishments regardless of how old the guilty party is.

Answer 3

I think that depending on the crime they should most definitely be tried as an adult. If they are over the age of about 13 or 14, they are old enough to know better, and know the consequences of their actions. They shouldn't be allowed to do whatever they wish just because they are under 18. If they commit murder, put them up for the death penalty. Make sure they know and have time to think on what they did.

Answer 4

What about a case where a 17 year old committed pre-meditated murder? Or rape? What really differentiates a 17 year old from someone one year older at that point? I don't think that a 13 year old should be tried as an adult, but a 17 year old certainly can if the circumstances warrant it.

Answer 5

Yes they should be, and more frequently. This is especially true where they are engaged in an adult activity, such as driving. It is also true for a crime where they exhibit the behaviors and decisions of an adult. The same goes for heinous crimes. Some things are truly unforgiveable.