Should teens be tried as adults? Most states have made it easier to try teens as adults, but is it fair to hold them to adult standards?

• Position: Opinion - Brief Article

YES The criminal justice system should give teenagers who commit heinous crimes the same punishments it bestows upon older offenders. Only then can justice truly be served and society protected from dangerous individuals.

At a time when teenagers are more predisposed to violence than in the past, there is a pressing need to counteract this trend. Trying juveniles as adults sends a clear message that crimes such as murder, rape, and assault will not be tolerated and that perpetrators must accept the consequences of their actions. The significantly harsher penalties for being tried as an adult serve as a deterrent to potential juvenile offenders.

Holding teenagers responsible for themselves is not unique to our justice system. Jewish youth are declared adults in the yes of their religion when they turn 13. Similarly, many Christian teenagers reaffirm their faith with confirmation vows in the early teen years. These ancient religions recognize that significant moral decisions can be made by teenagers, and so should our criminal justice system.

The argument that teenagers cannot comprehend the gravity of their crimes is an insult to the intelligence of young people. Teens have the maturity and judgment to make reasoned decisions. That's why many young people get driver's licenses before they turn 18. The same thinking skills that allow us to operate vehicles can also formulate criminal intent and differentiate right from wrong.

With more violent crime by teenagers well aware of their actions, it's clear that we should recognize juvenile offenders of violent crimes for what they are: dangerous criminals who happen to be teenagers.

--JULIA KAY, 17 North Potomac, Md.

NO Teens should not be tried as adults, because the laws aren't applied fairly, the results are horrible, and teenagers simply are not adults.

Trying teens who...