Murder and other violent crimes are being done more often by minors. While some would argue that treating them like adults can establish justice, I believe that it is better to be compassionate and help them undergo rehabilitation.
On the one hand, treating young violent criminals like they are over-18 gives the victims justice. Someone who has lost a loved one would find it very difficult if the perpetrator was not sentenced to prison because they are not old enough. Their relative is still dead or injured no matter how old the criminal is. For example, the mother of Jamie Bulger said that it was like the crime happening all over again when she heard her son’s murderers were released earlier than expected because they committed the crime when they were only 11 years old. However, I believe that a criminal’s age should be taken into consideration because they are not fully developed as human beings.
On the other hand, it is thought that children who carry out acts of violence are not aware of their actions because of their age. A young child does not know, to the same degree as adults, that their violent actions will result in death or serious injury. This is why young murderers in the United Kingdom are rehabilitated and given new identities so that they can live a normal adult life outside of prison. I believe this school of thought is preferable because it helps the young criminal reform and ensures that they do not carry out serious crimes again.
In conclusion, although sending young criminals who committed violent atrocities to adult prisons gives the victims some justice, the criminals themselves should also be seen as victims, because they were not aware of their actions and that is why trying to make them model citizens again is more preferable option.