Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question
What are the pros and cons of trying juveniles as adults in court?
Position‹2 of 2

Juveniles should not be tried as adults in court

Anyone under the age of 18 is a child, and should not be tried as adults. Subjecting them can have multiple repercussions in the present and future. It is not fair for juveniles to be subjected to have the same expectations as adults,

Supporting arguments · 3

  1. Juveniles face a lower chance of rehabilitation if they are tried as adults
    Trying juveniles as adults can delay the process of them getting help, which could harm them in the future. Not trying them as adults can help rehabilitate the child and decrease the likelihood of reoffending.
  2. Juveniles lack the neurobiology to know better
    Good judgment is not something juveniles can excel in while their brains are still developing. It is, therefore, wrong to place juveniles on an equal footing with adults during a trial as they do not have the same reasoning skills to be accountable for their actions.
  3. Juveniles' best interests aren't served if they are tried as adults
    The public safety, rehabilitation, and education of juveniles are disregarded when they are tried as adults. The common standard of "having the child's best interests" in family court proceedings should also be applied when they are being tried in court.