Juvenile Crime Example Argumentative Essay Example

first-grader shot and killed another 6-year-old during an argument in the schoolyard. This incident has caused widespread fear and anger among the public, especially considering recent cases where teenagers have shown indifference towards planned killings.

The fact that two 6-year-olds were involved in a shooting is shocking and raises concerns about a child of that age being able to handle and use a firearm. Can a 6-year-old really understand how to operate such a weapon? Even if they may view their actions as misbehavior due to the attention received afterwards, do they truly grasp the gravity of the situation?

According to the law, a 6-year-old is not considered legally responsible or capable of intending to commit murder as it would be deemed a criminal offense. Altercations between children at this age can easily transition into displays of affection.

There are various theories that propose factors such as poverty, family breakdowns, neglect, alcoholism, and poor education contribute to juveniles engaging in criminal activities. Many believe that identifying negative environmental influences leads to viewing delinquency as a normal adaptation for children. One plausible theory suggests that a child's personality develops based on the people and events they encounter. It is possible that delinquent behavior serves as compensation for the lack of attention received in other aspects of their life. These individuals may turn to drugs as a means of coping with anxiety or depression resulting from exposure to their parents' drinking and pill taking.

These warning signs and factors are considered typical among most juvenile criminals, according to experts. The blame cannot solely be placed on poverty, the 1960s, drugs, neglectful parents, ineffective social programs, flawed justice programs, or any commonly

cited reasons for juvenile crimes. The reality is that there is no universal solution that applies to all individuals. Each juvenile and their circumstances are distinct.

The impact of the environment on behavior is significant, but an individual's response to that environment is even more important. Take, for example, a single mother of two who has the responsibility of juggling two jobs to provide for her family. Unfortunately, due to her work schedule, she cannot be at home when her children come back from school. However, she has made arrangements with a neighbor for them to stay there during this time. If they want to go somewhere else, they must contact their mother at work and ask for permission. One of her sons follows these rules by going to the neighbor's house, doing his homework, and waiting for his mother. On the other hand, the other son takes advantage of the situation and behaves however he wants.

Despite sharing the same upbringing and surroundings, two boys have different reactions to similar opportunities and temptations. Although their childhood circumstances are out of their hands, children have the power to navigate within their environment. Some deliberately choose to ignore rules and others' expectations, disregarding legal, moral, and social boundaries. However, external factors do influence this behavior. The environment can either discourage or encourage a person's inclination towards breaking laws. For example, if drugs were not readily available, a child would not become addicted.

According to the Department of Justice, failing to address irresponsible behavior in children can result in its persistence. They also emphasize that the accessibility of guns plays a crucial role in determining if a child will use

them for criminal activities. From 1983 to 1996, there was a significant increase in gun homicides committed by juveniles. Furthermore, during a recent 15-year period, handguns were used in two-thirds of youth homicides involving guns. Additionally, schools across the country witnessed an estimated three million crimes and approximately 100,000 guns being brought onto school grounds daily. Lastly, between 1984 and 1994, the number of juvenile murderers tripled.

Between 1980 and 1992, the use of firearms by young murderers increased fourfold. During that period, there was also an almost quadruple rise in gang killings by juveniles. In 1994, eight out of every ten juvenile murderers used a firearm compared to five out of ten in 1983. Additionally, there was an 82 percent increase in the number of juveniles murdered between 1984 and 1994. It is important to acknowledge that juvenile crime extends beyond murder.

Juvenile crime refers to any violation of the law that requires punishment from society. This includes both illegal actions and failure to meet legal obligations. Crimes are classified according to their seriousness, with felonies being the most severe offenses that can lead to state institution imprisonment.

Violent crimes, sex offenses, various drug and property violations are considered felonies. Misdemeanors are less severe offenses that can lead to probation, county detention, fines, or a combination of penalties. Examples of misdemeanors include assault and battery, petty theft, and public drunkenness. Infractions are the least serious offenses primarily punishable by a fine.

Motor vehicle violations constitute the majority of infractions, while juvenile delinquency is another term for offenses committed by individuals under 18 years old. Children's offenses encompass both actions that would be deemed crimes if carried out by

adults and less severe misbehavior referred to as status offenses, including truancy and parental disobedience.

In the juvenile court system, both minor offenses and more serious offenses committed by minors can be prosecuted. The latter can lead to imprisonment. In Anglo-American law, a crime is an unlawful act done with criminal intent. It used to be believed that children under 14 years old were unlikely to have criminal intent. However, many juvenile courts now reject this belief and recognize that delinquent acts can be committed by children of any age. Juvenile offenders are usually categorized into four legal groups based on the seriousness of their offenses, including two categories for juveniles who commit adult-like crimes.

The text examines different types of offenders, including criminal offenders and juveniles remanded to superior court. These individuals have committed serious offenses. It also discusses informal probationers and status offenders, who are youths that have committed less serious or juvenile-specific offenses such as curfew violations.

According to the text, teenagers are responsible for a significant portion of violent crime in America. In 1994, juvenile courts processed approximately 1,555,200 delinquency cases in the United States. The text also emphasizes that males aged 18 commit more murders and robberies than any other age group. Additionally, individuals under the age of 21 make up over one-third of all murders.

Between 1982 and a decade later, the number of 13- to 15-year-olds arrested for murder increased from 390 to 740. Additionally, during this same period, there was a more than 700 percent rise in arrest rates for heroin and cocaine among juveniles, specifically from 1980 to 1990.

Currently, there are approximately 70 inmates on death row who were sentenced

as juveniles, constituting around 2% of the total population on death row. Since 1976, twelve individuals have been executed for crimes committed when they were juveniles. Moreover, documented executions of juvenile offenders have taken place in eight states worldwide since 1985.

Given these concerning statistics, what measures can be implemented to discourage juvenile crime?

Experts are foreseeing a rise in juvenile delinquency and an ongoing problem of young offenders transitioning into adulthood. The future of juvenile crime is uncertain, but victims of these criminals are advocating for reforms in the juvenile justice system. They question the idea that serious crimes committed by young individuals should be handled differently from those committed by adults.

These victims insist that these criminals be tried and sentenced as adults, possibly facing placement in maximum security prisons or even capital punishment. As a result, there is now a movement against juvenile courts which were originally established to provide a balanced approach involving punishment, therapy, and counseling aimed at rehabilitating juveniles.

The juvenile justice system has been revised to address the issue of juvenile crimes, acknowledging that juveniles are different from adults and should be treated accordingly. Separate courts, detention facilities, rules, procedures, and laws were established to protect the well-being of juveniles while also focusing on their rehabilitation and ensuring public safety. However, in practice, many juveniles continue to undergo repeated arrests, detentions, and releases until they commit a serious offense. Efforts have been made to explore alternative solutions aimed at reducing juvenile crime rates. For instance, in Jacksonville, Florida, more than 1,100 juveniles have undergone adult prosecution before being placed in local jails that offer educational and treatment programs.

Youth crime in the area

decreased, defying the common pattern. It is uncertain whether this system would be effective for all courts and locations. Given the existence of juveniles, it is highly probable that there will continue to be juvenile crime.