The MCA Juvenile Justice Committee opposes proposed legislation which would allow 13-year-olds to be prosecuted as an adult for the following reasons:

Research clearly shows that a 13-year-old lacks the maturity and cognitive development of an adult.  Therefore, a juvenile this age should not be expected to be held to the same level of accountability as an adult.

Research shows prosecuting juveniles in the adult system increases rather than decreases the likelihood that they will re-offend, which is harmful to community safety.

Additional research concerning health and safety show that when youth are held in adult facilities, they are sexually assaulted five times more often, commit suicide eight times more often, and are assaulted with a weapon 50% more often than youth held in juvenile facilities.

Further, since 13-year-olds are not yet appropriate for some of the juvenile programming, adult programming certainly is incompatible and inadequate.

Finally, a 13-year-old can remain under jurisdiction in the juvenile justice system for up to six years.  During this time, a juvenile receives age appropriate programming which focuses on public safety and rehabilitation.  When jurisdiction expires at age 19, a civil commitment process is an option when public safety remains at risk.   

REFERENCES

www.abanet.org/crimjust/juvjus
www.campaign4youthjustice.org
www.appa-net.org/resources/pubs/docs/CJJ-Report.pdf
Minnesota Statute 260B.193 subd.5

For more information, contact: Cal Saari (218-885-1375)