Topic: deusveritasest's theory on adulthood and reflections on criminal law code

[deusveritasest]

I'm wondering why they referred to him as a "17-year-old man"? 17 years old is hardly adulthood. It's getting close, but I don't think most 17-year-olds are really at an adult level of maturity. On top of that it's simply not legal adulthood. I think "17-year-old boy" would be more accurate and not seem an attempt to stretch the truth to be able to try him as an adult.

[ChristusDominus]

I'm wondering why they referred to him as a "17-year-old man"? 17 years old is hardly adulthood. It's getting close, but I don't think most 17-year-olds are really at an adult level of maturity. On top of that it's simply not legal adulthood. I think "17-year-old boy" would be more accurate and not seem an attempt to stretch the truth to be able to try him as an adult.

It depends on the crime. In this case it was heinous and ended in death. Typically, crimes like these force prosecuters to try the offending teenager as an adult. Nothing novel.

[deusveritasest]

I'm wondering why they referred to him as a "17-year-old man"? 17 years old is hardly adulthood. It's getting close, but I don't think most 17-year-olds are really at an adult level of maturity. On top of that it's simply not legal adulthood. I think "17-year-old boy" would be more accurate and not seem an attempt to stretch the truth to be able to try him as an adult.

It depends on the crime. In this case it was heinous and ended in death. Typically, crimes like these force prosecuters to try the offending teenager as an adult. Nothing novel.

I don't understand how/why they are "forced" to try the offending teenager as an adult.

[ChristusDominus]

I don't understand how/why they are "forced" to try the offending teenager as an adult.

Um..in this case, the gravity of the crime? Especially being so close in age to becoming a legal adult.

[deusveritasest]

I don't understand how/why they are "forced" to try the offending teenager as an adult.

Um..in this case, the gravity of the crime? Especially being so close in age to becoming a legal adult.

And why does the gravity of a crime committed by a minor indicate that the minor should be tried as an adult rather than tried as a minor having committed a grievous crime?

[Salpy]

This topic was split from a prayer request about a baby who was allegedly raped and murdered by a 17 year old:

http://www.orthodoxchristianity.net/forum/index.php/topic,21706.msg328912/topicseen.html#top

The topic of whether babies go to heaven was split off and put in the Faith Issues Section:

http://www.orthodoxchristianity.net/forum/index.php/topic,21716.0.html

[ChristusDominus]

Because as a minor, he might just get a slap on the wrist and several weeks of detention. As an adult, a long prison term with not so nice people.

[lubeltri]

His extensive prior criminal record would make them more likely to try him as an adult---to make sure that this dangerous person is never in a position to harm anyone again.

[ChristusDominus]

Thank you, Salpy, for that information.

[ChristusDominus]

His extensive prior criminal record would make them more likely to try him as an adult---to make sure that this dangerous person is never in a position to harm anyone again.

Yes, I should have mentioned that. Crucial criteria that cannot be overlooked.

[deusveritasest]

Because as a minor, he might just get a slap on the wrist and several weeks of detention. As an adult, a long prison term with not so nice people.

Wouldn't shifting the penalties for crimes committed by minors be much more reasonable than pretending that it is somehow OK to put someone on trial as an adult who is clearly not an adult in the legal realm?

[Starlight]

His extensive prior criminal record would make them more likely to try him as an adult---to make sure that this dangerous person is never in a position to harm anyone again.

Totally agree.