Research Presentation Project Cassandra Avila

The Introduction

In the courts of the United States, juveniles can be tried and convicted as adults. It is not fair to punish a juvenile in the same way as an adult would be. Juveniles are still kids. The minds of juveniles are not fully developed, therefore, they cant be tried as an adult if they cant understand an adult court case. Kids are being put in danger by sending them to places where dangerous prisoners are sentenced. It affects many juveniles around the country, and people should know that this happens often. Young people should be allowed the opportunity to change since their lives are just beginning. Punishments for an adult are more severe than the ones for a juvenile. Adult punishments do not allow juveniles to rehabilitate. They are being punished instead of being helped in order to stop the bad actions that they may have committed. It is important for these juveniles to receive help because of their actions instead of being punished for them.

The Differences Between Kids and Adults

Kids

Adults

Underdeveloped minds Unable to comprehend a court case or plan/execute a crime Under Age Since theyre underage, they shouldnt be allowed to be tried as adults Its not fair how theyre young and have their childhoods robbed

Developed Minds Able to fully go through a court case and plan/execute a crime Mature Since they are over the age of 18, theyre considered adults Should be punished for their actions because they know what they are doing since theyre no longer kids

Kids should never be tried as adults

Common Sense A child is not an adult and shouldnt be treated as one No developed minds before 18 Teen brains are going through development and are unable to reason well, according to the MacArthur Foundation Research Network Juveniles are not capable of being defendants Unable to consult with their lawyers

Kids caught up in justice system should not be tried as adults

Kids who are treated as adults will tend to be more vulnerable and make false confessions Being in a the juvenile justice system proves to be better

Because of the schooling and counseling in a juvenile correctional facility, juveniles have the chance to change and rehabilitate themselves

An adult record can jeopardize their success in the future

College admissions, jobs, careers, etc.

When placed in adult prison, theyre at a high risk of suicide and physical/sexual assault

CNN

Why its reliable CNN is internationally recognized to be a leading news station Included information by an expert The author co-founded the Juvenile Law Center in 1975 and knows how the system works and why kids shouldnt be tried as adults. Also contains information from researchers of the MacArthur Foundation Research Network, professional input on child development Points are well stated, well thought out with supporting sources of why kids shouldnt be tried as adults Article is effective in getting its points across. Helps with research because of the input of professionals that have seen the negative sides of trying kids as adults

Alaska Dispatch

Why its reliable Respected online news website in the state of Alaska Provides expert opinions on the matter Author has practiced law before and has dealt with young clients being tried as adults Provides statistics from previous studies of the matter Main points are clearly stated and are supported by the personal encounter of the issue Article was effective because of the personal evidence supporting the idea that kids shouldnt be tried as adults States the negative effects of what happens to kids when placed into prison after being tried and convicted as adults

The audiences are important to the topic because they oppose to kids being recognized as adults by the state. Many have tried going against it but many states will not change their laws of how to try a juvenile.
The audiences for both of these are the same: Parents with troubled adolescents and want to know the negative effects of their kids being tried as an adult People who interested in knowing how many states of the country allow courts to try young offenders as adults Law practitioners who oppose to the idea of a juvenile being seen

Further Questions
How is justice being served if juveniles are surrounded by dangerous people, instead of being helped in the juvenile justice system? How will the number of juveniles tried as adults decrease in the future? How will society be affected if more states allow the possibility of trying juveniles as adults?

Works Cited
Chester, Lael. "Kids Caught up in Justice System Should Not Be Tried as Adults." Alaska Dispatch. Alaska Dispatch, 26 Aug. 2013. Web. 7 Mar. 2014. Schwartz, Robert. "Kids Should Never Be Tried as Adults." CNN. Cable News Network, 18 Feb. 2010. Web. 8 Mar. 2014.