I am going to give you 5 news stories that are either directly or tangentially related to issues of juvenile justice. I want you to read them, think about them, think about how they are relevant to discussions of the juvenile justice system. Pick 4 and write a thoughtful paragraph about the issue, not simply your feelings, but how the story is relevant to the system, issues, problems, and solutions. The more outside evidence you use, and less personal opinion, the better.
Do not quote the questions, only submit your writing (and the number, 1 – 5, of which items you are discussing).
1. Parents rights v. parens patriae. This child has a severe illness that is a result of poor parental choices. Is this a form of child abuse? Does the government have the responsibility to step in?
http://wtop.com/health/2015/09/texas-toddler-diagn…
Thoughts?
2. This situation is relevant for juvenile justice policy? How? Discuss its relevance when discussing juvenile justice policies.
https://www.foxnews.com/health/connecticut-supreme-court-upholds-ruling-that-teen-must-undergo-
chemo
3. So what do you do with 15 year olds like this?
The system no longer allows them to be sentenced to death, or even life without parole. Doesn’t this case warrant such a response? Are these kids capable of being rehabilitated? Society’s (and individual’s) primary responsibility is self-preservation, these teens violated the social contract to the extreme. They are dangerous. They aren’t misunderstood, they aren’t victims. They are cold blooded murderers. Say you want them free before they die in prison, will you let them live with you? Will YOU take responsibility for their actions and suffer the consequences for their misdeeds? Will you ‘put your money where your mouth is’? Or just let others take the risk? https://www.nydailynews.com/2015/03/19/philadelphia-15-year-olds-murdered-married-father-in-
failed-robbery-cops/
4. This is sort of related to rehabilitation. This juvenile was denied a heart transplant because “The hospital ruled he was a bad candidate for the organ because of his background that suggested he would be “uncompliant” in treatment and had brushes with the law.”
Of course, an uproar ensued.
So, he was given the transplant against the better judgment of medical professionals.
https://www.cnn.com/2015/04/01/us/anthony-stokes-h…
There is also a series of related pictures that went viral from Jessica Jaglois, a reporter. You can find that yourselves…
5. If the system does not punish juvenile offenders adequately, will the families of the victims take matters into their own hands? Is this something juvenile courts need to take into consideration? If no, should they? Should families of victims have some say-
so, and if not, is the next step to administer justice themselves?
WARNING GRAPHIC IMAGE,DO NOT USE THIS IF YOU ARE SQUEAMISH.
“He’s going to learn in the next 25 years why I let him live,” the father said.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/father-assaults-man-after-catching-him-
sexually-abusing-his-son-9616689.html
You can use this additional link in #1
Ohio mom headed to prison for tot’s deadly Mountain Dew diet
https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?ur…
Please use this link for #3
https://www.nydailynews.com/2015/03/19/philadelphi…