by Gene Arnold
Regarding increasing the age limit to 18 years of age for pre-adults to be tried as adults for certain crimes, it seems striking to me that if we are willing to ask young adults to serve in military obligations at 18, and not 16, it is only fitting they should raise the age limit to 18 years of age to be tried as an adult. Additionally, while the maturation rate in young adults varies dramatically by individual, the training offered by the military suffices to prepare individuals to serve in service to their country. It is also a recognized fact, individuals not quite ready to enter the job force often turn to the military for further training for adulthood. This seems to admit that 18 is the age for the transition to maturity rather than 16 years of age.
Having posed the above rationale it is also necessary to admit our juvenile court system is outmoded, antiquated, and in desperate need for overhaul. Even the facilities are woefully inadequate to house individuals who have committed crimes requiring incarceration. To allow youths to participate in crimes and to serve a shortened sentence only to have their record expunged demands addressing the total issue of juvenile punishment.
Add to this mix the presence of gang culture and gang related criminal activity requires a different approach that society has been reluctant to address.
The bottom line is the issue is greater than just changing the age for punishment of crimes. The issue is to resolve the multifaceted approach to juvenile justice in North Carolina. It has languished in the dark ages far too long not to have a champion come forth to attempt a fix.