Final answer:
The issue of juveniles being tried as adults arises from concerns about the ineffectiveness of juvenile justice systems and rising juvenile crime rates. The discussion centers on whether stricter punishments through the adult criminal system could deter repeat offenses among juvenile offenders.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Should Juveniles Be Tried as Adults?
The question of whether juveniles should be tried as adults revolves around the severity of the crime committed, the rehabilitation capabilities of juvenile facilities, and the ongoing public concern over rising juvenile crime rates. It is broadly acknowledged that all suspects, including juveniles, have the right to understand the charges against them.
However, the serious nature of certain crimes has led to discussions about trying juveniles as adults, particularly when the existing juvenile justice system fails to prevent re-offending.
A critical point in this debate is that cases against those “incompetent to stand trial” must be dismissed. Nonetheless, a persistent problem indicating that the current system might not be sufficient is the fact that many juveniles continue their life of crime after being released from rehabilitation facilities.
A high-profile solution to this problem argues for the adult trial of juvenile offenders for certain serious offenses.
This approach assumes that harsher penalties and the experience of the adult criminal justice system might serve as a greater deterrent to future criminal behavior. While this solution is not without controversy, proponents suggest it could be a necessary step in addressing the problem of recidivism among juvenile offenders.