Criminal processing

There have been several high-profile instances where children and adolescents have committed horrible crimes, including homicide. Should crimes involving child or adolescent offenders be handled differently from similar crimes committed by adult offenders? Should chronological age or developmental level influence criminal processing, the trial process or location, or sentencing? There are no “right” or “wrong” answers to these questions. Please provide complete, thoughtful responses to all parts of the discussion question and explain why you think the way that you do. As with all discussions in this course, feel free to disagree (respectfully!) or agree with your classmates. Please be sure to read the “Online Discussion Instructions and Grading Criteria” document in the “Course Information/How You Will Be Evaluated” area for additional information about discussion expectations.