Juvenile Crimes and the Question of Judgment

I must say that it's a sensitive discourse when we begin to talk about juvenile crimes. Opinions and ideas have to be carefully spelt out to avoid giving the wrong feeling or impression about such things. Nevertheless, I think it's a delicate matter, that maybe society needs to talk about more. It feels like a matter that should have more voice to it rather than remaining numb, because it holds great consequences, no matter how we may see it. So then, it should be well considered, analysed and evaluated for the best outcome.

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As one who believes in and desires justice, as I believe every well-meaning human should, I find it quite difficult to say that such crimes don't get treated adequately as crimes. They are crimes, right? And they have adverse to little effects or consequences, depending on the kind of crime committed. One thing that stands though is that there's always someone who suffers directly and maybe indirectly for any crime committed. That it is committed by a child doesn't remove the pain and hurt inflicted on the victims, and/or their loved ones.

However, I might be too strict and inconsiderate to make it all out that way. When we understand children or teenagers, we'll realise that these people are in a stage of life where they are forming character and principles for life. It's that state where peer pressure hits the most and these young ones are mostly overwhelmed by it. Through such pressures, even well-meaning and well-raised children fall victims of some crimes or offences. This is true because I've seen this reality. Sometimes, it boils down to the failure to raise children well and intentionally by some parents. It could also be the environment and older figures.

Saying this isn't a yardstick for such actions from the juveniles. One of the major concerns is that when they know they can get off the hook in the event of such crimes, they can abuse it. It's a human attitude, especially among children. That's why children are punished when they do what is wrong so they realise it's not okay and not to repeat it. Also, that's why there's a thing as juvenile centres. These are places where people below 18 years old who are guilty of crimes are reprimanded as a consequence for their wrongs. And I think this depends on the kind of crime committed, to what extent and the consistency.

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Community services are also some of the ways they are punished for their offences. This actually helps as it makes them useful to society while serving their punishment. Trying a teenager like an adult, treating them with the same judgment or sentence could be heavy. It could lead to them being abused, creating a young monster out of them or leaving them to some mental depression they might have to endure even after all that. There are also the adverse effects that such could have on their future.

Even as justice could be tempered with mercy in their case, it shouldn't be without some form of punishment or reprimand, and a clear condemnation of such actions. And the kind of crime committed should determine the judgment.