The Pros And Cons Of Youth Offenders

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Many states have established laws to help deter youths from committing crimes. One measure put into effect specifically regarding juveniles is known in California as Proposition 21 and is intended to change the treatment of juvenile offenders to prosecute violent youths participating in gangs. This proposition was deliberated to require more youths to be prosecuted in adult court; change the type of probation available for juveniles and to increase the criminal penalties for certain offenses. Another measure California has put into effect is the STEP Act. These propositions to me have positive aspects and I feel they are beneficial in properly charging a violent youthful offender. I feel that this topic is important for both law enforcement and possibly the juvenile offenders to be familiar with because it is important to both parties to know what statute the offender can be charged with in the court system under these legislations. In this research paper, I will discuss the positive effects and some negative effects these legislations have and which aspects I feel need to be addressed to further rehabilitate our nation’s youth offenders.

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The following is an excerpt from their data; “Typically, there are four categories of offenses for which juveniles of a certain age may be transferred: (a) any crime, (b) capital crimes and murder, (c) certain violent felonies, and (d) certain crimes committed by juveniles with prior records”. Although I agree with some of these cases being transferred, I feel as though this can be taken advantage of if the judge presiding over the case deems it necessary to transfer the youth to adult court regardless of whether the case is violent or not. Luckily, most states do consider the juveniles rehabilitation and well-being as a priority so they place the juvenile in the most effective

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