-19 Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

-19 - Coursework Example Juveniles are under the influence of their parents/guardians and the environment around them. They are not mature enough to differentiate between right and wrong and so, become a victim of what they acquire from their surroundings. So, rather than punishing them, it is wiser to provide them an environment where they can be shaped to become better citizens, hence the benevolence and rehabilitation centers. Punishing juveniles would give the juveniles a criminal tag which would be hard to remove. They would consider themselves as criminals and live a life based on it. The courts objective of making the society crime-free is better achieved by making juveniles responsible citizens of the state by providing them an environment where it would get easier for them to refrain from criminal activities. The most disagreeable difference between juvenile and adult court is denying juveniles the right to jury trials. This practice gives the judge the sole power to pass-on a decision. The judge enjoys extraordinary independence in reaching a decision as he/she does not have to take into account the views of the jury, as none exists. The chance of giving a wrong decision increases as human negligence and error are more likely to occur as decisions are made by one single person who is not assisted by the jury. Moreover, having a jury in place would show the juvenile the concern the society has for him. This would help him in realizing his responsibilities towards the society. To improve this difference, a jury trial should be mandatory for juvenile cases, not just their constitutional right. Not only would it benefit the accused, but it would also help the society in understanding the problems facing juveniles. Collectively, the society can come up with provisions to eradicate these problems. The Supreme Court decision in Re Gault drastically changed the juvenile courts. Do you agree with the decision and