The federal laws on juveniles
In the united states of America, youth as young as 14 years of age are tried as adults in most criminal courts. The Juveniles are also sentenced to adult prison terms. Under federal law, individuals under the age of 18 are not able to use alcohol, sign lease or vote. The federal laws recognize juveniles as not mature enough for such responsibilities. However, in the criminal courts, youths are sentenced to adult prisons without careful consideration and analysis of whether they can change their lives or not.
Juvenile crime and sentencing laws fail to recognize the human capacity for change. Juveniles who commit crimes need to be held accountable. For example, when a young person is found to assaulting older adult, they should be held responsible. According to Redding (128), the juvenile should not be sentenced to adult prison since it disregards the human capacity for rehabilitation. Furthermore, Juveniles, being sentenced to adults, ignores the real psychological differences that exist between youth and adults. Instead, the punishment should reflect the capacity of juvenile to change and mature. Redding (130) posits that recognizing human role is an essential issue that will make sure the majority of youth can improve on their misconduct in prisons.