I am going to give you 5 news stories that are either directly or tangentially related to issues of
juvenile justice. I want you to read them, think about them, think about how they are relevant
to discussions of the juvenile justice system. Pick 4 and write a thoughtful paragraph about the
issue, not simply your feelings, but how the story is relevant to the system, issues, problems,
and solutions. The more outside evidence you use, and less personal opinion, the better.
Do not quote the questions, only submit your writing (and the number, 1 – 5, of which items
you are discussing).
1. Parents rights v. parens patriae. This child has a severe illness that is a result of poor
parental choices. Is this a form of child abuse? Does the government have the
responsibility to step in?
http://wtop.com/health/2015/09/texas-toddler-diagn…
Thoughts?
2. This situation is relevant for juvenile justice policy? How? Discuss its relevance when
discussing juvenile justice policies.
https://www.foxnews.com/health/connecticut-supreme-court-upholds-ruling-that-teen-must-undergo-
chemo
3. So what do you do with 15 year olds like this?
The system no longer allows them to be sentenced to death, or even life without parole.
Doesn’t this case warrant such a response? Are these kids capable of being rehabilitated?
Society’s (and individual’s) primary responsibility is self-preservation, these teens violated the
social contract to the extreme. They are dangerous. They aren’t misunderstood, they aren’t
victims. They are cold blooded murderers.
Say you want them free before they die in prison, will you let them live with you? Will YOU
take responsibility for their actions and suffer the consequences for their misdeeds? Will you
‘put your money where your mouth is’? Or just let others take the risk? https://www.nydailynews.com/2015/03/19/philadelphia-15-year-olds-murdered-married-father-in-
failed-robbery-cops/
4. This is sort of related to rehabilitation. This juvenile was denied a heart transplant
because “The hospital ruled he was a bad candidate for the organ because of his
background that suggested he would be “uncompliant” in treatment and had brushes
with the law.”
Of course, an uproar ensued.
So, he was given the transplant against the better judgment of medical professionals.
https://www.cnn.com/2015/04/01/us/anthony-stokes-h…
There is also a series of related pictures that went viral from Jessica Jaglois, a reporter. You can
find that yourselves…
5. If the system does not punish juvenile offenders adequately, will the families of the
victims take matters into their own hands? Is this something juvenile courts need to
take into consideration? If no, should they? Should families of victims have some say-
so, and if not, is the next step to administer justice themselves?
WARNING GRAPHIC IMAGE,DO NOT USE THIS IF YOU ARE SQUEAMISH.
“He’s going to learn in the next 25 years why I let him live,” the father said.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/father-assaults-man-after-catching-him-
sexually-abusing-his-son-9616689.html
You can use this additional link in #1
Ohio mom headed to prison for tot’s deadly Mountain Dew diet
https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?ur…
Please use this link for #3
https://www.nydailynews.com/2015/03/19/philadelphi…