Section 15 Juvenile’s SophisticationandMaturity

• Library: Juvenile Law 2011

Section 211.071.6(6), RSMo Supp. 2010, permits the court
to consider the “sophistication and maturity of the child as determined by consideration of his home and environmental situation, emotional condition and pattern of living.” These rather subjective criteria would likely include such elements as the juvenile’s:

· age;

· appearance;

· living arrangement;

· schooling;

· employment;

· mental condition; and

· similar traits.

In State v. Tate, 637 S.W.2d 67, 71 (Mo. App. E.D. 1982), in dismissing the...