3 ms·
When you think about it, there was enough complex decisions taking place to point towards a developed (albeit devoid of conscience) mind in control. A childs r
by polartx 5y ago
When you think about it, there was enough complex decisions taking place to point towards a developed (albeit devoid of conscience) mind in control.
A childs reasoning would more likely follow this kind of path:
Child wants alcohol->storekeeper has alcohol->child capable of coercion by force (ie stabbing)—>child gets alcohol from storekeeper
However, instead he did this:
Young man wants alcohol->storekeeper has alcohol—>alcohol costs money that young man does not have—>innocent passerby’s have money—> young man capable of coercion by force (ie stabbing)—>young man stabs innocent passerby’s for their money—>Evaluate whether amount stolen is enough for alcohol, if not, repeat previous steps, if so—->young man gets alcohol from storekeeper
Good decisions are not proof of brain development, however complex ones are. Given the evidence I would say he was rightly judged as an adult.
- daenz 5y agoYou make a good point, but I think there is a simpler argument for why he was rightfully tried as an adult: murder is an adult action.
- alogray 5y agoAre there crimes that are “juvenile actions”? Would adults who commit them be tried as juveniles given that it is a juvenile action?
- mekkkkkk 5y agoIIRC, empathy isnt fully developed until the early twenties. Even if you are capable of having sophisticated trains of thoughts you might not realize the scope of consequences from your actions. Life without parole seems like it should be reserved for those who are beyond saving. Not sure a 15 year old boy would classify as such. It all depends on your view of retribution vs rehabilitation though.