Life Without Parole For Juveniles

Mary Elliott, I agree that the punishment must fit the crime regardless of the age but there are other things to consider such as giving the death penalty or life without parole for the juvenile who has committed a violent murder intentionally. Mental Health America feels that juvenile offenders should not be given the death penalty or life without parole because these sentences are inconsistent with the purposes that normally guide sentencing such as deterrence, retribution, incapacitation, or rehabilitation (Position statement 58, 2017).
Society recognizes that juveniles are different form adults in their decision-making abilities and are reflected in laws regarding voting, driving, alcohol use and consent to treatment (Position statement 58. 2017). Psychology and neuroscience continue to state fundamental differences between juveniles and adults. Juveniles continually score lower than adults in impulse control and suppression of anger. Juveniles also demonstrate that they are less likely than adults to evaluate risks and benefits or to understand long-term consequences (Position statement 58, 2017).
Because their brains are still developing they are more capable of change than adults and are therefore to rehabilitate (Position statement 58. 2017).
Reference
Position statement 58: Life without parole for juvenile offenders. (2017). Mental Health
American. Retrieved September 15, 2017 from: http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/