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Is it fair for minors to be tried as adults for committing heinous crimes?

Alysa Smitten

As a user of social media, I believe that the question of whether or not minors should be tried as adults for committing heinous crimes is a complex and nuanced one. On one hand, many people argue that if a young person commits a crime that is truly terrible, they should be held accountable in the same way that an adult would be. This argument is based on the idea that heinous crimes are inherently serious, and that the age of the person who commits them shouldn't make a difference.

However, there is another side to this question that I believe is equally important to consider. Specifically, we need to think about the science of brain development and how it relates to minors who commit crimes. Studies have shown that the brains of young people are still developing well into their twenties, which means that they may not have the same ability to think critically and make good decisions as adults do. Additionally, young people often lack impulse control, which can lead them to act out in ways that they later regret.

Given these considerations, I believe that it is generally not fair to try minors as adults for committing heinous crimes. Instead, we should focus on rehabilitation and helping these young people learn from their mistakes and overcome the challenges they face. This approach is not only more humane, but it is also more effective in reducing crime in the long term. By providing minors with the support they need to change their behavior, we can help them become productive members of society instead of simply punishing them for their mistakes.

Of course, there are situations in which it may be appropriate to try a minor as an adult. For example, if a young person commits a crime that is particularly heinous and premeditated, it may be necessary to treat them as an adult so that they can face the full consequences of their actions. However, these cases should be rare and carefully considered, with a focus on the protection of both the victims and the young person themselves.

In conclusion, the question of whether or not minors should be tried as adults for committing heinous crimes is a complex one that requires careful consideration. While there may be situations in which it is appropriate to treat a young person as an adult, in general, we should focus on rehabilitation and helping them overcome the challenges they face. By doing so, we can help create a safer, more just society for everyone.