Juvenile Delinquency: Young Killers

The juvenile delinquency system is placed to help adolescents who commit crimes, however the punishment is not as harsh as an adult system. In my opinion a juvenile deserves a consequence that balances with the crime he/she committed. If a juvenile killed someones (first degree murder) they serve to be send to prison, the adult system. However, if they robbed a store for some candy, the consequence shouldn't be as rigid. Though, some kind of punishment is needed. If no punishment is put in place, these kids will only commit more, and their chance of getting more involved with crime is higher. These juveniles need counseling, or something that can help them relieve their needs. Many of the times, kids are influence by what they see at home, or at their community. In my opinion a child who is born in a troubled family (alcoholic, drugged, abusive parents) are more likely to do those things they see while growing up. To them, that is whats right.

The video watched in class about young killers, Paula Cooper was brought up in a disoriented family. Father was abusive, both verbally and physically, and the mother was helpless. Unfortunately, Paula grew up with no remorse, to her it was okay to kill for money, it was okay to take someones life. Like her, many other kids have the same mentality, and don't seem to know the consequence a crime have. It was sad to see such young kids throwing away their future, for some dumb, not needed crime. No matter how young they were, what most of them did--kill--was unlawful, and they deserved to be punished. If they had the mindset to plan and kill, their age should not define their punishment.