A video, which appeared on the internet on Friday, showed a girl pushing another girl, later identified as “Kailee,” to the ground and repeatedly hitting her head against the pavement. Shortly after the incident, Kailee was observed trembling on the ground. All of this occurred close to Missouri’s Hazelwood East High School in St. Louis County. This video has since sparked debate as to whether the 15 year old girl who pushed Kailee should be tried as an adult.
The Attorney General says she should face adult charges, so now we ask the question if she really should. First we can argue that certain crimes committed by teenagers are heinous enough to warrant adult consequences. We can cite cases where the severity of the crime, such as murder or violent assault, demonstrates a level of maturity and intent that surpasses typical adolescent behavior. It is also thought that trying juveniles as adults can act as a deterrent, sending a strong message about the consequences of criminal behavior. It can also provide as justice for victims and their families, ensuring that those responsible for serious crimes face appropriate punishment. Some teenagers also exhibit a pattern of criminal behavior that necessitates intervention beyond the juvenile justice system.
However, we have to look at both sides of a monumental decision such as this. That teenagers do lack the cognitive and emotional maturity of adults, making them less culpable for their actions. Research does indicate that trying juveniles as adults can have detrimental effects, increasing the likelihood of recidivism and hindering rehabilitation efforts. The juvenile justice system is better equipped to address the needs of young offenders, focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment.
Missouri law allows courts to try children aged 12-18 as adults if their offenses would be considered felonious had it been committed by an adult. First and second-degree murder classify as Class A felonies in Missouri.
So when it comes down to making this decision I believe above all we have to consider the nature of the crime.
In this situation the nature of the crime is extremely violent. She repeatedly hits this girls head over and over again showing a need to cause as much harm as possible. I believe she demonstrated a level of maturity and intent that surpasses typical adolescent behavior.
In the end what that girl did is completely unacceptable and she should experience the consequences of her actions to the fullest extent.
