No Crime Goes Unpunished: Child Criminals and Adult Sentences

The laws defining adult crimes are written clearly as to procedures and punishments. If you do the crime you must do the time. However, when those laws are applied to juvenile criminal offenders the words begin to fade and instantly prosecutors are not sure how to do their jobs. Forgetting the criminal act that placed them in that position to begin with and offering a "slap-on-the-wrist" punishment to juveniles who have committed serious violent acts. Juvenile delinquency is a serious problem in today's society and a major issue in America's schools. "According to the U.S. Department of Justice, crimes committed by juveniles have increased by sixty percent since 1984" (Collier 592). This is a problem that not only affects the victim and their family but all the lives involved. A lesson needs to be taught to all juveniles who participate in these violent acts and that means very real punishment, prison time. In essence, if a juvenile commits an adult crime the juvenile must serve the adult time in an adult facility.