It is important to note that juvenile delinquency is a major part of criminology, where the law is violated by underage individuals. Since the agents are not considered adults, the issue becomes a complex and intricate one, where the standard justice systems might not apply or apply in a differential manner. The given case will focus on Michael, who committed a mass shooting at an LGBTQIA2S+ Pride march. Michael is a 16-year-old White male adolescent from NYC who engaged in a mass shooting at an LGBTQIA2S+ Pride march with an AR-15 rifle and Molotov bombs, killing 60 people, including nine children.
The tracking of the juvenile from juvenile court to adult court and then through the system is shown in the outline below:
- Arrest.
- Juvenile court.
- Michael charged with a criminal charge.
- The juvenile is a 16-year-old, and the charge listed in IC 31-30-1-4.
- The prosecutor seeks a direct file in adult court.
- The charge constitutes the statutory requirements.
- Transfer to the adult court.
- Adult charging.
- Trial: Adjudication.
- Sentencing.
- Imprisonment.
- Capital punishment.
Being a juvenile in prison is a stressful experience with many abusive elements to it. Many juveniles are subjected to sexual and physical violence, which amplifies the trauma of family separation. The development is hindered massively due to psychological and physical damages (Juvenile Law Center, 2022). Solitary confinements are imposed more often due to a juvenile’s inability to function within the system. Being on death row is an even harsher experience, where solitary confinement is guaranteed greater psychological and physical harm (Death Penalty Information Center, 2022). Therefore, both situations carry a significant level of risks, damages, and abuses.
References
Death Penalty Information Center. (2022). Conditions on death row.
Juvenile Law Center. (2022). Children in prison.