Pennsylvania is one of the U.S. states that does not impose a lower age limit when trying children as adults, which explains why 9-year old Cameron Kocher was tried as an adult when he accidentally shot and killed his 7-year old neighbor. What is funny though is that lying about the shooting was one of the reasons that the District Attorney used so that the case was kept in an adult court. Apparently, lying is something that only adults do.
The lack of lower age limit aside, trying Cameron as an adult is considered by many as inappropriate. His case and many others have spurred heated debates from different sides. Should juveniles be tried as adults?
List of Pros of Juveniles Tried as Adults
1. Reinforces the idea that crime is crimeEven if it was unintentional, the fact that Cameron killed his neighbor still makes him a criminal, and should be punished accordingly. There is no way to lessen the suffering of surviving members, after all. Taking it easy on him would only make matters worse. Most proponents of this ideal believes that age should not be a determining factor of the level of punishment to be imposed. So, trying juveniles as adults will make all crimes equal.
2. Serves as a deterrent
There is a significant increase in juvenile crimes in countries where children aged 18 and below are allowed to run free despite the gravity of their mistake in the premise that they are minors. It was also discovered that young adults are now being used by adults to commit crimes on their behalf. If such rule is completely abolished, people would think twice before doing something that will send them to jail. When juveniles are made to fear punishments, they will not be as bold and daring.
3. Limits the cutoff age for young adults
A lot of proponents believe that 18 is too high an age limit and should be lowered. If it is lowered to 16, the issue about whether or not juveniles should be tried as adults will be set straight once and for all. Unfortunately, young children are quite impressionable and adult criminals might find it easier to make them do their dirty work.
List of Cons of Juveniles Tried as Adults
1. Lack of understanding of the crime committed
Didn’t they say that curiosity killed the cat? Some children commit a crime out of curiosity, with no real intention of hurting anyone. This means they may be unaware of the consequences of their actions, thinking it was just a game they played. So it is not fair that they are punished in the same level as adults who are fully aware of the repercussions and still committed the malicious attack. In terms of accountability, children should be given consideration.
2. Takes the onus off the parents
Instead of the children being tried as adults, it should be the parents to take their place on the stand. It is their responsibility to ensure that their children know and follow the rules, after all. It is also their responsibility to tell them what is right and wrong. Therefore, their child’s ignorance is their fault. At least, this is what opponents of trying juvenile crimes as adults believe.