Why We Must Raise the Age of Juveniles: A Scientific Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47611/jsrhs.v10i3.1869Keywords:
juvenile justice, adolescent developmentAbstract
Since 1971, the age at which people are no longer considered juveniles in the eyes of the law has been 18 years old. However, given that 18–25-year-olds have the highest rate of crime of all age groups, it is clear that prison is not working well to prevent future crimes of this specific group; The system in place is failing these ages. Neuroscience evidence has proven that the brain is still maturing after 18 years-old, especially in brain regions related to criminal behavior and instincts. In this paper, using evidence from neuroscience, I propose that the age of adulthood in the courtroom must be revised to reflect new discoveries in brain science.
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