Accountability in the Court of Law Juvenile Justice

The Big Question If you committed a crime, do you think it would be fair for you to be punished like an adult who committed the same crime? Why or why not? Are there ever any exceptions which would cause you to change your mind? Should juveniles be treated on a case-by-case basis or should juveniles be protected based on their age?

What is a Juvenile Delinquent? California defines it as “any person under the age of 18 years who persistently or habitually refuses to obey the reasonable and proper orders or directions.” Juveniles have their own legal system that deals exclusively with minors. However, some states have made it so that juveniles who commit adult crimes are tried and sentenced in adult courts.

The Concept The juvenile criminal justice system operates according to the idea that young people are fundamentally different than adults, both in terms of level of responsibility and potential for rehabilitation. The treatment and successful reintegration of youth into society are the primary goals of the juvenile justice system, along with overall public safety.

Key Legal Terms Homicide: The killing of one person either intentionally or unintentionally. Homicide includes accidents and murder. Murder: The killing of someone with malice of forethought. It could be done while committing another crime.

Key Legal Terms First degree murder: The killing of a person with malice of forethought; the crime was planned. It was done deliberately and is illegal. Second degree murder: A killing done during a crime deemed very dangerous to a human life. The crime was most likely not committed with the intention of killing.

Key Legal Terms Voluntary manslaughter: The killing of someone intentionally but without malice of forethought. For example, if the killing was a crime of passion (killing a spouse or lover because of jealousy), the intention was to kill, but it was not planned. Involuntary manslaughter: Killing someone unlawfully but without malice of forethought. It was committed without intent to kill and without a conscious disregard for human life.

Scenarios and Legality A 17 year old troubled girl has been slowly poisoning her parents each night at dinner. Three months go by and she arrives home to find them dead on the floor of the kitchen. The coroner’s report indicated their death was caused by cyanide poisoning. What crime did she commit? What was her punishment/sentencing?

Scenarios and Legality Three 16 year olds were handing out at the park drinking Jack Daniels. One boy started shoving his friend. Soon the shoving escalated into punching. One boy tripped and his head hit a spark-edged rock. He died of a concussion before help could arrive. What crime did he commit? What was his punishment/sentencing?

Scenarios and Legality Suspicious that his girlfriend was cheating, a 16-year old boy went to her house and found her in bed with his brother. Impulsively, he grabbed the nearest lamp and hit his brother on the head. His brother died two days later. What crime did he commit? What was his punishment/sentencing?

Scenarios and Legality A 13-year-old boy broke into an auto parts business to steal hubcaps. The 17-year-old security guard picked up his boss’ gun and fired two warning shots at the thief. The second shot hit the 13-year-old and killed him on the spot. What crime did he commit? What was his punishment/ sentencing?