Should Juveniles Be Trialed as Adults?

Teenagers as Young as 16 are Treated as Adults in Court – North Carolina as a Case Study

jailIn North Carolina, a 16-year-old teenager who has committed a crime is prosecuted like an adult. This does not occur anywhere in the United States, only in New York.

However, NC legislators want to change it. Minors should be trialed as minors with the exception of especially serious crimes.

Legislators have so far avoided changing the law mainly due to rising costs: if juveniles are not treated as adults and do not go to jail, the state will have to spend plenty of money on rehabilitation programs. However, criminologist point to the fact that keeping teenagers out of the prison system will reduce recidivism and may turn out to save the authorities plenty of resources in the long run.

Another point worth considering – if the state decides not to prosecute juveniles, crime rates will decrease significantly. There will be less people considered criminals. Of course, if there are not rehabilitation programs available, this reduction in crime rate will be nominal only.

According to various studies, in terms of numbers, increasing prosecution age (“Raise the Age”) will initially cost tax payers in North Carolina around $50 million annually. However, in years to come, thanks to decreased recidivism rate, state’s spending will go lower by more than $100 per year.

The problem is that politicians usually lack the foresight needed for long-term planning. Huge costs entailed in reforming the justice system may hinder any prospects of change.

All other states understood long ago that juveniles should be treated not as harsh as adults. Apart from being immoral (and even unconstitutional), it is a mistake from an economical point of view to treat teens as adults. Let’s hope that NC legislators will come to their senses as soon as possible and will follow other states.

Andrew Clay

Andrew Clay: Senior Writer at FoxValleyPrevent.com
Andrew Clay, aged 65, is the leading voice and main writer at FoxValleyPrevent.com. His journey is
marked by a lifelong dedication to combating crime, both in his earlier career and in his current role.
A retired police officer with a degree in law, Andrew's experience spans decades of active service on
the streets, where he bravely risked his own safety for the protection of his community.
Transitioning from physical law enforcement to a focus on research and education, Andrew
continues his fight against crime through a different medium. His work now revolves around
conducting thorough research and disseminating knowledge about crime prevention. Andrew
believes firmly that understanding crime is the cornerstone of effectively preventing it. His writings
reflect this philosophy, offering insights into the mechanics of criminal behavior and strategies for its
prevention.
As a prominent member of FoxValleyPrevent.com's Crime Coalition Prevention, Andrew contributes
significantly to the organization's mission. His enthusiasm for crime issues is deeply rooted in the
belief that comprehending the nuances of crime is essential for effective prevention.
Residing in Charlotte, North Carolina, Andrew's life is enriched by his family. He is married to his
sweetheart, Lora, for an amazing 33 years. Together, they have three children and five
grandchildren. His personal experiences as a family man and community protector deeply influence
his perspectives and dedication to public safety. Andrew's work at FoxValleyPrevent.com is not just a
profession; it's a continuation of his commitment to making society a safer place for current and
future generations.

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