11-09-2009, 01:55 PM
In principle, life without parole seems excessive for a juvenile. I've heard of research that says there is a period in which the developing brain does not think actions through the way an adult does...and this condition lasts into the early 20s. So it's an issue of chemistry that in theory can resolve itself.
But in reality, if a 13 year old is raping the elderly (to use the case before the SCOTUS right now), I don't see much hope for him to ever keep himself from harming others.
But in reality, if a 13 year old is raping the elderly (to use the case before the SCOTUS right now), I don't see much hope for him to ever keep himself from harming others.