Crime is generally unacceptable. Whether it's considered a big or small crime. Though some situations could make it seem otherwise, no reason makes it acceptable. At least by what the law provides and stands on. That still doesn't stop crimes from happening as we see many cases of crimes in our societies and nations, and around the world now and then. It could even be said that there's a rise in the occurrence of crimes.
Criminal activities occur with all and among all. It's carried out by the various categories of people in whatever way we can categorise them. People of different backgrounds, nationalities, race, all engage in criminal activities. Even different age groups. While crimes can be more prominent among a particular group or category, it applies to all. That's why even children aren't left out, though we see more with adults and in a way expect it from them alone.
It's so because children are considered to be tender, not knowing much to do such things. I guess the modern world especially has taught us that's not true. Juvenile crimes exist, and it might shock many to know what these minors do with their lives and those of others. Some things even adults are afraid of. It leaves a question then, if they should be tried as adults or not? And what will it mean for society if every underage crime is treated with kid gloves?
Cases of crime against children are often treated, as expected with a high level of concern and seriousness. It had thinking why the effort towards punishment isn't the same as that of justice. Children engaging in crimes reflects some major issues, starting from the home to society at large. Maybe we should start from there. I understand that parents can try, and society as well, but some children will go their own way and end up committing crimes.
So, when does “being a child” become not an excuse? If parents did their due diligence and society as well, but the child goes their own way, whatever punishment comes on them they called for it and are deserving of it. I also understand that a child might probably not know better. This is where the home and society play a role. Failing in this makes the child a victim as well. But to what extent can this be tolerated and when does it become a problem?
Tolerance and excusing criminal offences under this excuse will do a great deal of harm to society. The pain of some offences doesn't care if it was committed by a child or an adult. How will such an affected person feel knowing justice wasn't even pursued, but the crime was excused? This is why crimes committed by minors shouldn't be excused without some form of justice being pursued and served. No crime is acceptable, and everyone deserves justice, right?
Punishment however could be not like with adults. With age comes a level of growth and development, and a child doesn't have it the same as an adult. Punishment is meant to correct, it should do that. But that doesn't mean a generalisation for the crimes committed by minors. Their developmental level, records, and the nature of the crime committed should determine the kind and level of punishment. Nevertheless, it should be that justice is served and the child is corrected through proper systems.
Image is AI generated.
