Survey Results

After learning into some of the basics of how the treatment of juveniles has changed over time, and why it is that they can be transferred into adult court, my curiosity only grew larger. Deciding whether the juvenile and adult court systems were fair was a hard choice so I asked others. My question was, "For certain crimes, like first degree murder, should teenagers (ages 13-17) be transferred into adult court regardless of their age instead of staying in juvenile court?" I asked this question because I wanted to see what other peoples opinions on how juveniles should be treated in the court systems.

The options for the survey were a) yes b)no c) should be done case by case d) only if they are already seventeen. I'm wasn't sure what to expect, except that no one would say yes. Ten people took the survey three were adults and seven were high school students more specifically seven female basketball players.

The results for the poll were two for yes regardless of their age they should be transferred, three no, never, and five for the cases should be looked at case by case. There were no votes for the teens being transferred only if they are already seventeen. I think most people voted for case by case because in the end every case is different and each teen makes their own choices based on different circumstances, but they want it to be fair. Some teens might deserve to go to jail because they've already been given to many chances, while others really did make a mistake, or in some cases turned themselves in.

I think the main thing that influenced the way people voted was they don't want to see kids waste away in jail if they don't have to. Kids make mistakes they deserve another chance to learn right from wrong, they are not adults. The biggest surprise was the two votes that regardless of their age they should go to adult court if the crime fits. I know that sometimes the best way to get to kids is to punish them but to take away their freedom, their chance at life, is that really necessary?

After having done some research and seeing the results to the survey I'm still left with other questions. I want to further research what other options are for teens who are transferred and tried as adults and if they do have to be sent to adult jails at such young ages. Also I'm curious as to what other states and countries do as well, is it also as easy to transfer teenagers? Do other countries even have juvenile courts or allow children to be tried as adults?