1. Juveniles and the Death Penalty
I believe that immaturity is the reason we do not allow those under eighteen to assume the major responsibilities of adulthood, such as serving on a jury, military combat service, voting, drinking alcohol or making medical decisions. ... The experience of an abused and traumatized child is one of fear and frustration. ...
Chronic delinquent offenders are youths who start their delinquent careers at a young age, have serious and repeated brushes with the law, and build a career in crime; these youths do not age out of crime but continue their criminal behavior into adulthood. ... This requires a complete analysis of the juveniles past childhood experiences. ...