Becker, D. (2019, October 3). Why Vermont Raised Its Juvenile Court Age Above 18 – And Why Mass. Might, Too. Retrieved from https://www.wbur.org/news/2019/10/03/juvenile-court-age-vermont-massachusetts
This article indicates how and why the state of Vermont raised the age limit for their juvenile justice system. There decision was based on the science of brain development regarding teenagers and young adults. Additionally, the article showed data which indicated that rehabilitative services associated with the juvenile justice system lessen recidivism rates. The promises and successes in Vermont influenced Massachusetts to consider adopting a similar law.
Juvenile Justice & the Adolescent Brain. (2015). Brain science is informing juvenile justice policy and practice. Retrieved from http://clbb.mgh.harvard.edu/juvenilejustice/
This article shows research compiled by Harvard regarding the science of brain development impacting legislation. Science shows that the brain of emerging adults is not fully developed. As a result, they are more prone to impulsive and poor decision making. Such evidenced has influenced various types of legislation such as the federal abolition of the death penalty for crimes committed during adolescence and the elimination of life-without-parole sentences for crimes less than murder.
Perker, S.S. & Chester, L. (2017). Emerging Adults: A distinct population that calls for an age-appropriate approach by the justice system. Retrieved from https://scholar.harvard.edu/files/selenperker/files/emerging_adult_justice_issue_brief_final.pdf
This article by the Harvard Kennedy School advocates for age-appropriate sentencing guidelines that take into account brain development. It describes young adults younger than 25-years-olds as being “emerging adults.” It predicts that “age appropriate responses to justice-involved emerging adults will decrease crime and improve public safety.”
Sen. Nancy Skinner Announces Bill to Raise the Age to be Tried as an Adult. (2020, January 28). Retrieved from https://sd09.senate.ca.gov/news/20200128-sen-nancy-skinner-announces-bill-raise-age-be-tried-adult
This article covers Senator Nancy Skinner introducing SB 889. This legislation would raise the juvenile justice age to include 18- and 19-year-olds. Currently those 18-years-old and older are automatically processed in the adult criminal justice system. The rationale is that the rehabilitation services and other resources provided in the juvenile system are more age appropriate and will lead to improved public safety outcomes.
Tucker, J. (2020, January 28). California’s 18- and 19-year-olds would be minors in court under proposed legislation. Retrieved from https://www.sfchronicle.com/news/article/California-s-18-and-19-year-olds-would-be-15010452.php
In addition to describing Senator Skinner’s legislation, this article touches upon the economic feasibility. Criticisms are raised regarding the legislation in that the juvenile incarceration rate has been decreasing steadily over the last decade. The article points out that some argue SB 889 is an attempt to fill empty juvenile justice detention centers.
Weber, R., Schlueter, M., & Bellas, M. (2015). Juvenile recidivism study: 2008-2011. Retrieved from http://www.crgvt.org/uploads/5/2/2/2/52222091/crg_report_2015_03_analysis_juvenile.pdf
This is a study conducted by the Vermont Agency of Human Services Department of Children and Families. The data illustrates that offenders who received services in the Family Division (associated with the rehabilitative resources and services in the juvenile justice system) showed decreased rates of recidivism.
Ivan Carnice 