Comments on: Ruby-Sachs: Juvenile offenders revisited

By: kait

kait — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 02:06:40 +0000

the fact that an eight year old allegedly killed his father and another person means that there was a failure somewhere, a failure on the part of the community to recognize what was going on with this kid. there must have been some signs before hand, and someone, or many someones missed them. i see it is a failure of communities and our society that violence happens, especially when committed by children, and our collective responibility to end violence. throwing individuals away into the criminal justice system does little to make our communities safer (and often makes them way less safe) and does nothing to address the root causes of violence. so the question in my mind is not whether or not he should be tried as an adult but rather who failed this boy? where was his family? school? community? and what messages did we allow him to learn about what violence is and when it is ok

By: Kari

Kari — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 12:20:36 +0000

I’ve always found it ridiculous that we have separate juvenile justice systems but whenever the media finds out about a case the prosecutors always want to try kids as adults.

I’m neutral about whether we should have the juvenile justice system, but if we have it we should actually use it.

Trace: What the heck is an “adult crime”? Moreover, why does murder fall into the category of “adult crime” instead of some alternative category?

By: Neil

Neil — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 04:28:21 +0000

I’m sorry, but those who commit heinous crimes, regardless of their age, have to assume the responsibility of those crimes. Along with the responsibility comes consequences.

Of course he should be afforded the best defense possible . . . but, if found guilty he should suffer the same consequences as anyone else who might be found guilty of such a crime.

We’ve all seen far too often than crimes (at whatever magnitude) without real consequences simply create more hardened criminals. I could live with live in prison without the possibility of parole. But frankly, I would charge him as an adult and let him bear the responsibility and the consequence whatever that might be.

Neil

By: Dan

Dan — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:24:35 +0000

The murder does appear to be premeditated, but 8 is too young to be charged as an adult.

My personal line is drawn at puberty for murder. The line blurs while they are in purberty, but once they are “post-pubecent” the gloves come off and adult charges are possible for murder.

Overall, I think that charging the 8 year old as an adult would be a mistake.

By: Trace

Trace — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 22:42:24 +0000

Ludicrous? Let me explain again Ruby-Sachs, an adult crime deserves adult penalties. This child reportedly ended the lives of two others? If this is true, I see no reason that he should see freedom as an adult.

By the way, when I was 10 I was responsible for getting to my own extra curricular activities, making dinners for my mother and I and helping clean the house. (All that while my mother worked two jobs.) When I was doing social work, I saw many 7 and 8 year olds that would manipulate and plan some amazing things. Never underestimate someone simply based upon age.

By: Bob

Bob — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 19:24:22 +0000

Granted, he should not be charged as an adult but this is obviuosly a bad seed that needs to be put away so that he does not repeat the offense. Let’s not keep feeling so sorry for this horrible child and let’s think of those that died at his hands.

By: Julia

Julia — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 17:32:25 +0000

It was his father who gave him the gun and taught him to kill animals.