Juvenile Justice System

Juvenile Justice System

Abstract

Crime rate and the situation of criminal justice in any society serves as the counter for judging the social conditions, and thus special measures are taken to ensure that the crime rates are minimize and thus the social conditions are improved. It is essential to note that special emphasis is placed on the juvenile justice system, as children are more sensitive and have to be specifically handled to make sure that no adverse effect is placed on them. However, there is vast difference of opinion in this regard and a number of researches show that children should be treated in the same manner, as they have the same mindset and also deserve similar punishments. The following paper seeks to advocate the same opinion and highlight the various factors which prove that equally harsh and unsympathetic punishments should be imposed on children as well, to make sure that their mindset is altered and they refrain from repeating the same behavior again.

Introduction

Juvenile justice system is the system of justice specifically designed for the children and minor criminals, who cannot be punished in accordance with the rules and regulations of adult criminal system. The system is mainly composed of a number of juvenile courts present across the country, and having the authority of passing judgments on the crimes and other offenses committed and adolescents, who are below the age of maturity. The punishments and penalties imposed on children are different as compared to that of adults, and it is due to the same reason that separate courts and a different justice system is established for them.

Discussion

The punishments imposed on children and adolescent criminal are mind and less severe as compared to that of adult criminals, mainly because of their physical as well as mental weaknesses and the assumed disability to deal with the severe situations. It is eminent to mention here that although juvenile courts have been present since a number of years, there are serious debates going on regarding the effectiveness of these courts and also on the severity of punishments presented to children. On one hand, certain individuals believe that the less severe punishments are fine for the children as they cannot bear harsh punishments, and on the other hand, the other group believes that even children deserve harsh and strict punishments if they commit crimes. The following paragraphs provide support and supportive arguments for the later group and also shed light on the less severe and inappropriate nature of the juvenile courts:

Harshening of the Juvenile Justice System

A review of the issues related to the juvenile justice system reveal that it isn't harsh enough and should juveniles be tried and punished under the same judicial system as adults. This implies that the punishments in the juvenile justice system are not appropriate enough and should be revised in order to make sure that justice is served and the criminals are penalized in suitable manner. Although the juvenile justice system focuses more on the rehabilitation as compared ...