The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments this week in a case involving juvenile offenders. The decision will affect hundreds of offenders convicted as minors and currently serving life sentences without parole. This is the fourth case since 2005's Roper v. Simmons...
Juvenile Crimes/Delinquency
What is certification?
Depending on the severity of the alleged crime, the court may certify a juvenile defendant as an adult. If a child is successfully certified, the juvenile court will lose jurisdiction over the criminal matter, and the case will be transferred to adult criminal court....
Does detention system put the air quotes around ‘juvenile justice?’ p4
We are finishing up our discussion of the juvenile justice system and whether probation is a reasonable, effective alternative to incarceration. Research indicates that incarceration, in fact any contact with the juvenile system increases the risk that the youthful...
Does detention system put the air quotes around ‘juvenile justice?’ p3
We are continuing our discussion of the juvenile justice system and the dilemma it presents to policymakers. More and more, it is looking as if incarceration is not the answer. Detention residences have not been particularly successful at rehabilitating juvenile...
Does detention system put the air quotes around ‘juvenile justice?’ p2
A couple of months ago, the Department of Public Safety published a report based on the results of the 2013 Minnesota Student Survey. The anonymous survey is sent to students in grades 5, 8, 9 and 11 every three years as a way to gather information about kids'...
Does detention system put the air quotes around ‘juvenile justice?’
In 1977, Gary Gilmore was executed by firing squad in Utah. Those of us old enough to remember the case will recall that Gilmore had specifically requested his method of execution and that the request put Gilmore on the front pages of newspapers around the country. He...
ACLU study examines racial disparities in Minneapolis’ criminal justice system
In recent years and months, concerns about racial profiling and excessive force against black Americans have remained in the national spotlight. As cities like Ferguson, Missouri and Baltimore, Maryland erupted into violent protests and demonstrations; other cities...
Teen avoids prison time in drug-related death of 17-year-old friend
Roughly one year ago, we wrote a blog post about five Minnesota teens who were facing serious criminal charges related to the overdose death of a 17-year-old Woodbury girl. The five were accused of providing the girl with a synthetic drug that was manufactured to...
Two juveniles arrested in connection with downtown St. Patrick’s Day riot
There's a saying that everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day, and cities across the U.S. often have parades and other fun events to celebrate the holiday. According to the Minneapolis St. Patrick's Day Association, the city's St. Patrick's Day parade tradition dates...
Why juvenile incarceration isn’t the solution
Historically, when it comes to dealing with juvenile offenders, the United States has taken a tough love approach. Punishments for crimes committed by individuals under the age of 18 may include incarceration at a juvenile detention facility. For the kids who end up...