Should Teens Be Prosecuted As Adults for Major Crimes? By Quinn, Alex, and Kaela

2010 Statistics 1.6 million juvenile arrests were made 1,000 arrested for murder 2,800 arrested for rape 27,000 arrested for robbery 44,900 arrested for aggravated assault

Even with those statistics, we still think: No

Here’s why:

Prefrontal Cortex One of the last parts of the brain to develop. Controls cognitive analysis and abstract thought.

Prefrontal Cortex In charge of organizing thoughts and problem solving, foreseeing and understanding possible consequences, impulse control and delaying gratification.

Other Changes Trying to find his or her identity Rapid body changes Moodiness and shyness Heavily influenced by peer group May experience superhero complex Focuses on the present.

Laurence Steinburg, PhD “If someone is not able to control impulses, plan ahead or think through the future consequences of his or her actions because of developmental immaturity, he should not be held to the same standards of criminal conduct as someone who has that ability”

Video Adolescent Development and Juvenile Justice ▫

Cradle to Prison Pipeline Early conduct problems Continued aggressiveness Juvenile arrest Family/Home life Poor education Conduct problems

Solutions for handling juveniles who have committed major crimes.

Before it starts After school programs, especially in high risk areas ▫Run by strong, positive adult role models ▫29% of juvenile violent crime occurs during after school hours.

Consider Brain Research During Sentencing Brain and developmental research considered during sentencing. Supreme Court’s decisions ▫Barred death sentences for juveniles (Roper vs. Simmons) ▫Barred life sentences without parole for non- homicide crimes for juveniles (Graham vs. Florida) ▫Barred a blanket life sentence for homicide crimes.

Take Juveniles Out of Adult Prisons The U.S. Department of Justice reports that on any given day more than 7500 youth are held in adult jails nationwide. Juveniles are more likely to be targeted for sexual assault Teens are 30% more likely to become repeat offenders if placed in an adult prison versus a juvenile center.

Education in Juvenile Facilities Receive a quality education 33% qualify for Special Education ▫Youth Study Center in Louisiana ▫100,000 juveniles released every year

Therapy Adolescents who commit serious crimes typically have psychological, cognitive, neuropsychiatric, educational, and family disturbances. ▫Without therapy, 18-24% more likely to repeat offending.

Community Programs Become a part of the community ▫A New Leaf: Alice Peterson Residence  30 day program offered to juvenile detention boys ages Program includes on site certified education, individual, group, and family counseling. ▫Juvenile Intensive Probation Supervision  A highly structured, closely supervised out-of-home placement. The program makes offender accountable and realize the consequences while offering rehabilitative services.

Edwin Desamour Idolized father who was a drug dealer Given a gun at age 12 Charged with murder Served 8 ½ years in prison and 11 ½ years paroled Founded Men In Motion in the Community

What do you need to know? Not being fully physically developed can cause adolescents to not be able to control or be aware of the serious consequences for their actions Further environmental factors can increase an adolescents chances of committing a serious crime.

Sources pdf s l bars-mandatory-life-sentences-for-juveniles brain/Development/prefrontal_cortex/ content/uploads/2012/04/databit2012_06.pdf