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

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

David Pimentel
2013

Abstract

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

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