What do you think and why?
2007-09-23 08:11:19 · 6 answers · asked by Echo S 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
This totally depends on the individual laws of your state and the seriousness of the offense committed.
I have met 12 year old murders that were cold blooded and evil beings. I have also met 12 year old's that were typical children that did something stupid like steal a pack of gum from a store.
In my opinion, the first guy... ya, prosecute him and put him away as evil never goes away. The kid stealing the guy? Scare him and take him home and let his parents deal with him. Criminal charges will not help this kid, just complicate him.
2007-09-23 08:24:13 · answer #1 · answered by Dog Lover 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the state. Here in TX, juveniles can be charged at 10yo. Anyone under 10 cannot be charged, but the parents are still responsible for any damages/ restitution.
But, juvenile matters in Texas are civil, not criminal matters. Children are not arrested, they are detained. They do not stand trial, they are adjudicated. They are not convicted, the alegations are "found to be True." Minus some juvenile sex offenders, nothing a juvenile does will effect them as an adult.
Also, the earlier we catch kids, the better chance we have at fixing any problems there might be.
2007-09-23 16:03:57 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Honestly yes no matter what the crime is they should. But, the level of persecution depends on the crime committed. If a 12 year old was to kill someone they could face adult prison. but shoplifting would just put them into Juvy.
2007-09-23 15:20:30 · answer #3 · answered by xninjaxbreex 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
More often than not, when a child commits a serious crime it's a reflection of some sort of neglect from their parents. Obviously, depending on the type of crime and whatnot, it would have to be looked into case-by-case.
2007-09-23 15:15:32 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it should be possible -- based on a court determination that the child was mature enough as an individual to understand the consequences of their actions and the illegal nature of their actions.
Below a certain age, children cannot understand the complex legal concepts -- but that age varies by the individual -- and children who are overly mature for their age should be held accountable based on their level of maturity -- not just they number of days they've been breathing.
2007-09-23 15:16:14 · answer #5 · answered by coragryph 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definitely, as americans it is our job to persecute people that make mistakes such as murder.
2007-09-23 15:15:45 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋