Most teens are less likely to think before they act, think about future consequences or modify their dangerous or inappropriate behaviors.
Most juveniles are unaware of their actions and don't think about the end result of their crimes. Most juveniles commit crimes just for attention or to be part of a gang. Juveniles don't think about the crimes they are committing; they are just committing them to be a part of something. Most murders are committed in the heat of passion or while a person is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Murderers do not expect to be caught or to be sentenced to death, so the threat of the death penalty has no effect on them. Yes, it will deter that person from ever committing another murder, but so would a life sentence. A life sentence is just; capital punishment is revenge. "Ten of the 12 states without capital punishment have homicide rates below the national average," the Times said, "while half the states with the death penalty have homicide rates above the national average." In a state-by- state analysis, the Times found that during the last 20 years, the homicide rate in states with the death penalty has been 48 percent to 101 percent higher than in states without the death penalty (GW 2). The courts need to take a good look at each individual case and determine the reason why juveniles are committing felony crimes, whether it is gang associated, peer pressure, or a lack of supervision in the household. Statistics are not available to show whether lowering the age to 17 has made a direct impact on juvenile crime, state officials said. But what is clear is that most 17-year-olds are not chronic or serious offenders, and they do not necessarily receive the harsh punishments or supervision that those who advocate trying them as adults might have in mind. Judge Edwin Kelly, who heads New Hampshire's district courts, said hundreds of 17-year-olds passing through the adult system only get fines, when they could be receiving rehabilitative services.