On Juvenile Justice And A Change of Mind

A Brief Overview

In recent years, a growing number of neuroscience studies have revealed more and more evidence-based research regarding the teenage brain; and with all of this in mind, there is one truth that we can no longer ignore: the adolescent brain is still under construction. Their brains, specifically the prefrontal cortex, which controls factors like decision making, empathy, and impulse control, are still underdeveloped. In Blakemore’s TedTalk “The Mysterious Workings of the Adolescent Brain,” we learn some of the ongoing neurological development debates and research regarding how teenagers weigh risks and rewards as well as understand the consequences of their actions. While most are well aware of how adolescents make hasty and impulsive decisions, they fail to consider that in the realm of neuroscience, these behaviors are natural avenues of brain development rather than signs of disobedience or intentional defiance. 

Another Perspective

When we sentence juveniles as adults for crimes, we sometimes overlook or disregard that their brains are far from developed. That rational thought is still hazy in the face of impromptu decisions coupled with peer pressure. As a result, teens tend to rely heavily on their limbic system, a part of the brain that weighs risks and rewards in day-to-day life. As Blakemore elaborates, the teenage years are volatile, experimental, and risk-taking, not because of moral failure, but more because of immaturity and a lack of complete and holistic understanding.

The article “The Teenage Brain” by National Geographic continues narrating this. It presents the ‘adaptive-adolescent’ theory, which argues that teenage impulsivity and risk-taking traits are actually recognized as evolutionary strengths. Because of these qualities, teens are “wired almost perfectly for the job of moving from the safety of home into the complicated world outside” (National Geographic). Sometimes being impulsive helps people grow up and start to develop a moral compass. In this regard, some juvenile crimes should have their sentencing reconsidered in light of neuroscience development and ethical justice.

A Cage We Set

Our justice system in America, however, continues to believe that all juveniles should face strict punishment, considering only the purpose rather than a comprehensive overview of a teenager’s family background, behavior, and development. The CNN article “How Young is ‘Old Enough’ to Be an Adult Criminal” shows us tragic cases in which children have been sent to adult courts, tried, and been prosecuted as adults. In adult prisons, statistics show us that these young teens can face sexual assault, heightened levels of violence and danger, as well as have an increased rate of suicidal attempts. What might be labelled as an attempt to ‘correct’ dangerous or wrong behavior in teens is actually the very thing destroying their chance for rehabilitation. Being thrown into an environment that clearly doesn’t leave space for growth means that we are actively shaping impressionable adolescents into hardened criminals, rather than giving them the chance to grow into productive members of society. Children at that age cannot even enlist in the military or enter legal contracts and make legal decisions for themselves; however, they are still able to be held to adult standards if charged with crimes. The article concludes that “no child under the age of at least 17 should be sentenced to lengthy incarceration in adult jails” and calls for judges, along with licensed psychiatrists, to make a case-by-case decision on sentencing outcomes, prioritizing a holistic science and background overview rather than following outdated means of pressure (CNN). 

A Path to Success

Success stories are true, and there are many in number. There have been countless cases where children and adolescents alike have proven that they are capable of change. Therefore, rehabilitation should be the highest priority for giving wayward teenagers a second chance. Instead of a lengthy incarceration, our country should invest in programs, education classes, and behavioral therapy that can enforce responsibility while showing empathy for all juveniles, opening up a pathway for redemption. 

While not all cases should follow this pattern, particularly when murder or rape is involved, other less harmful or violent crimes should be reconsiderations. As we know it, teenagers are “exquisitely sensitive” and “highly adaptable creatures” finding their way in this sometimes harsh and unforgiving world (CNN). Instead of punishing them to the point of no return, we should let each child have the opportunity to learn from their mistakes and to grow and change. 

If we don’t, can we even call ourselves those who uphold justice?