Table of Contents

Outline

I. Introduction

  • Background on the issue of youth crime
  • Explanation of the debate on the treatment of young people who commit crimes
  • Thesis statement I partially agree that young people who commit crimes should be treated the same as adults who commit crimes, but with some important caveats.

II. Arguments in Favor of Treating Young People the Same as Adults

  • Importance of holding young people accountable for their actions
  • Recognition that juvenile crime has a negative impact on society
  • Need for consistency in the justice system

III. Caveats to Treating Young People the Same as Adults

  • Differences in developmental needs and capacities
  • Vulnerability to peer pressure
  • Lack of maturity, judgement, and understanding of consequences

IV. Need for a Separate Juvenile Justice System

  • Focus on rehabilitation and restorative justice
  • Consideration of the unique circumstances and needs of young people
  • Aim to address the underlying causes of criminal behavior

V. Conclusion

  • Recap of key points and argument
  • Emphasis on the need for a balanced approach that holds young people accountable while also providing them with support and opportunities for change
  • Final thoughts on the importance of addressing youth crime in a fair and effective manner.

Model Essay

I partially agree that young people who commit crimes should be treated the same as adults who commit crimes, but with some important caveats.

On the one hand, it is essential to hold young people accountable for their actions. Juvenile crime, regardless of its nature, has a negative impact on society, and those who engage in criminal behavior should be held responsible for their actions.

However, it is also important to recognize that young people have different developmental needs and capacities compared to adults. They may lack maturity, judgement and the capacity to fully understand the consequences of their actions. Additionally, they are more susceptible to peer pressure and may not have had the same life experiences as adults.

In light of these considerations, it is appropriate to have a separate juvenile justice system that takes into account the unique circumstances and needs of young people who commit crimes. This system should aim to provide appropriate punishment, but also prioritize rehabilitation and restorative justice, so that young people can be given a chance to change their behavior and reintegrate into society.

In conclusion, while it is important to hold young people accountable for their actions, it is also important to approach juvenile crime from a developmental and rehabilitation perspective. Young people who commit crimes should be treated differently from adults, with a focus on helping them to understand the impact of their actions and addressing the underlying causes of their criminal behavior.