The Baltimore Sun article, "Why Not Name Guilty Juveniles?" by Michael Olesker is about the problems facing the juvenile system and how the system has affected young teenagers. Olesker's insight is formulated by an interview with Judge Milton Allen who has served in the justice system for over a year. Some of Allen's views on the system may be considered controversial because of his aggressive, yet interesting standpoint.
One of Allen's problem with the juvenile system is that he feels that cases in Juvenile Court should be publicized. He wants to see that all those suspected of a crime be acknowledged throughout their community, which might help to prevent future criminal activity. But this can prove to be consequential, since those who are alleged criminals can be prevented from having the same opportunities as others in terms of jobs, education, etc. Their status in their neighborhood may be scarred no matter the outcome of the case. Given the fact that a person is innocent until proven guilty, he or she should not be scrutinized before their judgement, in which publicizing a trial may lead to further inquiries about his or her morality.
Allen even goes on to say that "none of these kids is ever going to be president of a corporation, and it is hypocritical of us to think that keeping things secret is helping anybody" (28), which is untrue. There are many things that teenagers do that they regret later in life, but that does not mean that these kids have no prospects. Politicians, presidents, and CEOs don't always live the picture-perfect life either. There are many instances in which these highly held officials have committed crimes in the past and still went on to become very successful. Allen is not lenient in his thinking. Instead, he knocks the integrity of these children proclaiming their life as being hopeless.
But although many of Allen's beliefs are stereotypical, he presents a good point about the misconception of some of these felonies being classified as "delinquent offenses.
