The Widening Maturity Gap: Trying and Punishing Juveniles as Adults in an Era of Extended Adolescence

Date

2013

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Texas Tech Law Review

Abstract

Examines how the criminal justice system has dramatically expanded the prosecution of juveniles as adults. Brief overview of these conflicting trends appear to be driven by the same source: the perception that the world is a more dangerous place than in the past and the fear for the safety of ourselves and our children. Argues it is time to reevaluate the present policies that subject young offenders to the adult system of criminal justice.

Description

Keywords

Societal shifts, Extending adolescence, New parenting paradigm, Postponing the responsibilities of adulthood, Perception that children are not capable, Brain development and maturity, Trying and punishing juveniles as adults, Kids in the adult criminal justice system, Presumption of juvenile court jurisdiction, Prosecutorial discretion and concurrent jurisdiction, Reverse waiver, Defense can seek transfer to juvenile court, Blended sentencing laws, Maturity of the juvenile and potential for rehabilitation, Reconciling divergent expectations for young people, Retribution versus rehabilitation debate, Rehabilitation versus retribution for juveniles, Contrasting the treatment of child soldiers, Interpreting the widening gap in terms of an "us verus them" mentality

Citation

David Pimentel, The Widening Maturity Gap: Trying and Punishing Juveniles as Adults in an Era of Extended Adolescence, 46 Tex. Tech L. Rev. 71 (2013-2014)