KIDS AND CRIME

January 2000
		Should juveniles who commit serious crimes be treated as adults? Cabrini College criminal justice professor Linda Collier and Northeastern University criminal justice professor James Fox respond to your questions.

Forum introduction Should parents be liable for their children's behavior? Can children in detention be rehabilitated by the age of 21? Should children be given special rehabilitation? Does putting kids in adult prison essentially mean throwing them away? If kids can commit adult crimes, shouldn't they get adult punishment?   Jan. 14, 2000: The youngest person ever convicted of murder receives his sentence. Dec. 16, 1999: A new study examines violence in America. Browse Online NewsHour coverage of youth, the law and education.

J. F. Guider of Naperville, IL asks: Prison will never do for a child what his or her parents are supposed to do. Where did Nathaniel learn to shoot a gun? Where did a child this young get a gun? When are we going to make parents liable for their bad acts in raising their children?   Linda Collier responds: Some sociologists believe that the manifestation of violent crime is a creature of the increase of guns on the street. Prior to 1985, the rates of gun and non-gun homicides followed a similar pattern for juvenile delinquents. Between 1985 and 1994, non-gun homicides continued at a similar rate while homicides with guns more than tripled. Although most states have a provision in their statute to notify the parents of a delinquent act committed by their child, the legislative movement in most states has been away from holding parents civilly or criminally liable for their children's bad acts. In states that have laws which hold parents accountable, there is often a fine associated with liability.   James Fox responds: I cannot comment on Nathaniel Abraham's mother, not having enough information about her. Plus it is terribly unfair to point fingers and scapegoat parents, unless there is clear-cut evidence of negligence. Often times, kids misbehave despite the best efforts of parents. Peers, violent media, and other influences often overshadow the best efforts of parents. Parental responsibility laws, though popular these days, are not the answer. As a society we need to assist families, not assail them.