quirements, and a range of zero-tolerance polices at school. A bill is trying to be pushed through the Senate that would mandate adult prosecution of children as young as thirteen, to encourage states to hold parents criminally responsible for their children’s acts, open juvenile records to the public and, for the first time, allow children to be housed with adult prisoners. This bill would also expand the greatest crime against children: allowing the execution of those who committed crimes when they were as young as sixteen. The Supreme Court has ruled that the execution of juveniles as young as sixteen is not a violation of the Eighth Amendment of the US Constitution, which prohibits “cruel and unusual punishment.” Overcrowded prisons are already a concern for many states. So if juveniles are being sent to these prisons, something will have to be done to build new prisons. My opinion is that juveniles have no business in adult prisons. They should be put in some type of rehabilitation program. Many people do not want to think about what happens to these kids. Just lock them up and throw away the key. We must find out why so many juveniles are committing crimes. Congress is debating right now on whether or not to build juvenile prisons, and hire additional juvenile judges and prosecutors. Other measures are to mandate increased sentences for adults who sell guns to minors. In the past juvenile judges took information from parents, educators, and social workers to evaluate an individuals social history, family, and peer situation. Judges made a decision based on the best interest of that child and put them into rehabilitation programs. Should all juvenile crimes be handled alike? That is, should the criminal’s age be considered in certain crimes such as shoplifting compared to rape. Will publicizing juvenile crime deter other juveniles from committing crimes? Is there an answ...
