Adult consequences for juvenile behavior: Does sentencing policy aimed at serious adult behavior cast too wide a net?

Abstract

Throughout history, society has struggled with defining "normal" juvenile behavior and answering the question of how to treat juveniles under the law. In this chapter, we discuss laws that were designed to address serious adult criminal behavior and have unintended consequences when applied to juveniles who engage in certain, sometimes typical and common, behaviors. Specifically, we address the application of life without parole and sex offender registration laws to juvenile offenders. We also address the fact that community support for harsh sentencing for juvenile offenders decreases when the community is provided with context and education regarding the laws and treatment for juvenile offenders; given context, the community tends to support rehabilitative interventions over punitive interventions. Finally, we conclude that American society should reconsider the application of adult sentences to juvenile behavior.