In certain countries, there has been a noticeable increase in juvenile delinquency, sparking debates about whether teenagers should face adult-level punishments despite their age. In my view, the severity of punishment should be determined by the nature of the crime and the surrounding circumstances. Depending on these factors, adolescents should receive either adult or juvenile penalties.
On the one hand, my perspective aligns with proponents advocating for stringent penalties for young offenders involved in serious crimes. History has witnessed a number of appalling school massacres orchestrated by students. Undoubtedly, they must have realized the gravity and consequences of their actions, considering that these atrocities involved purchasing a gun and carefully planning all stages of the crime. It is inconceivable that such juvenile perpetrators, especially those exhibiting signs of sociopathy and posing a danger to society, could receive lenient sentences based solely on their age and potentially be released after a brief period. Therefore, given all the aggravating circumstances, minor criminals should be treated and punished as adults and kept away from society.
On the other hand, I also do recognize the importance of introducing less severe punishments for serious crimes committed unintentionally. While teenagers’ nervous systems are still forming and their mental development is still in process, they cannot estimate the ramifications of their actions as adults can, especially in stressful and tough situations. In fact, their behavior may have been provoked by long-lasting severe bullying or life-threatening circumstances, where their lack of experience and knowledge led them to make a wrong decision. Quick, unthought reactions in an attempt to protect themselves could have inadvertently caused the death of others. Thus, sentencing them to prison is not only likely to exacerbate their condition but also to turn them into cruel individuals by the time they will have been released. Were they to receive a less severe punishment, along with rehabilitation and psychological counseling, they would stand a strong chance to recover and mature into responsible members of society who do not pose any danger.
In conclusion, while I support the view that adolescents involved in serious, premeditated crimes should face severe punishments similar to adults, I also recognize the necessity of a thorough assessment of each case. It is important to offer opportunities for rehabilitation to those who may have been led astray by physical and mental harassment and who have committed manslaughter.