Not Kids Anymore: A Need for Punishment and Deterrence in the Juvenile Justice System

Abstract

This Note surveys the history of the juvenile justice system, including the philosophy behind its formation and its similarities and differences with the adult criminal system. Recently, many states have implemented changes to their juvenile justice - systems. This Note advocates a system like that of Massachusetts, where certain juvenile defendants are automatically transferred to adult court, and where other juvenile defendants, who remain in juvenile court but meet certain requirements, may receive a blended juvenile and adult sentence. This system retains the goal of rehabilitation of juvenile delinquents while also focusing on punishment and deterrence.