Ethics of Juvenile Sentencing

This past Monday, November 9, 2009, two minors were sentenced to life in prison following crimes where no one was killed. Terrence Graham at the time of the sentencing was 17 year old, and Joe Sullivan is an astonishing 13 years old. If Joe Sullivan lives to the average male age of 81, he will serve 68 years in prison for a crime. At one point in sentencing a criminal should express ethics over justice? Should morals and/or values come into play when holding the life over another human being? If this child can’t go off to war, how can we give him life in jail? There are several questions revolving around cases and several like this around the country. That is why Missouri, has created the Missouri Sentencing Advisory Commission. Finally, there is a group of individuals that realize that change within a human is a possibility and that law, age makes an exceptional difference. This group participates in several different affairs regarding the laws and sentencing, and the role of attorney and lawyers.

Background: The Missouri Advisory Commission is an advisory board that work within the justice system of Missouri. Along with the Department of Corrections, the Advisory Commission also works in conjunction with The Board of Parole and Probation, Public Defenders, Defense Attorneys, and of course the public. In 1994, the Missouri Advisory Commission was created in order to properly examine sentencing in the Missouri. The Advisory Commission works with attorneys and lawyers in the area to establish the correct sentencing for criminals. In order to accomplish the proper sentencing for juveniles and average criminals, the Missouri Advisory Commission, acquires accurate information surrounding the crimes back round and current life. The belief is that, no matter the crime, each individual is different and must be treated that way.

Studies: Along with relaying necessary information in regards to the criminal, The Missouri Advisory Commission also examines the disparaging range of sentencing between individuals in a variety of social class or economic standing. This study is conducted in order to better understand the reasoning behind past sentencing, and to eliminate any possibilities of this ever occurring again. While, several individuals conduct this study, several others perform a study based around the sentencing in different courts around the area. The Commission, enacts this study, in order to make sure that each civil court in the circuit is abiding by the same laws within the length of sentencing and use of probation.

Future: Now, that the Missouri Advisory Commission has established a brand in Missouri, they are attempting to spread the idea into other states. The eventual goal of the Missouri Advisory Commission is the have a national based organization that will preside over all sentencing.