In 2005, in a landmark decision, the U.S. Supreme Court outlawed the death penalty for offenders who were younger than 18 when they commited their crimes. The ruling centered on the issue of culpability, or criminal blameworthiness. Unlike competence, which concerns an individual's ability to serve as a defendant during trial or adjudication, culpability turns the offender's state of mind at the time of the offense, including factors that would mitigate, or lessen, the degree of responsibility.
Should developmental immaturity be added to the list of mitigating factors? Should juveniles, in general, be treated more leniently than adults? A major study by the Research Network on Adolescent and Juvenile Justice now provides strong evidence that the answer is yes.
Less Guilty by Reason of Adolescence
Contributing Organization(s): MacArthur Foundation Research Network on Adolescent Development and Juvenile Justice
Author(s)/Creator(s): MacArthur Foundation Research Network on Adolescent Development and Juvenile Justice
Publishing Date: 2006-09-01
Issue Areas: Children and Youth; Crime and Safety
Ownership/Rights Info: Please consult the copyright holder before using or repurposing this information.
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Available at: http://www.adjj.org/downloads/6093issue_brief_3.pdf
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