Adult Crime, Adult Time Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Adult Crime, Adult Time - Essay Example Other non-violent offenses include skipping classes, violating the curfew laws, and running away from home (Stahl). The US crime law requires the juvenile offenders who are below the age of 18 should be treated rather than be punished. I strongly support the idea that juvenile offenders should not be treated the way adult criminals are being punished. In line with this, several reasons will be provided in order to strengthen this argument. Reasons behind the Argument There is a negative psychological impact associated with the idea of mixing the juvenile offenders with the adult prisoners. Several studies revealed that most children and young adolescents have not yet fully develop their critical thinking abilities. Since the adult offenders can easily influence and affect the emotions, attitude and behavior of the juvenile offenders, the act of mixing the juvenile offenders with the adult offenders could only worsen the situation. According to Siegel and Welsh, â€Å"social issue re lated to racism and despair could lead to the development of juvenile delinquency† (118). It means that the act of labeling a juvenile offender as a criminal offender could make the child accept the idea that he or she is a criminal.