The Ratio Of Seriousness Of Crime - 1635 Words

Many people believe the saying, â€Å"If you are old enough to commit the crime, you are old enough to do the time.† However, many of the people that believe this saying do not consider the ratio of seriousness of crime to age of offender. Other people may say, â€Å"Oh, they are just too young. They did not really know what they were doing.† Maybe that statement is true or maybe the juvenile offender knew exactly what he or she was doing. Who else besides the child would know? Who can accurately and fairly judge a child on his or her so called illegal behavior? The United States should be more concerned with providing rehabilitation for juveniles already involved in criminal activity and the prevention of criminal activity in younger generations of†¦show more content†¦Sometimes reform schools are called industrial schools because these specific centers teach offenders useful life skills that can be used to make a better life for the juveniles and their famili es. Since 1846, hundreds of reform schools and industrial schools have been created all across the country (Juvenile Offenders). The idea behind reform schools is somewhat similar to that of Jane Addams’ Hull House founded in 1912. Hull House was located in the darkest corner of Chicago: a place full of murder, rape, harassment, and other extremely dangerous crimes. Addams provided Hull House as a getaway for children before they became delinquents. Addams established clubs for boys who often got involved with criminal activity. Addams felt that it was her duty to help less fortunate children be the best that they could be. She felt strongly for children who had unsure futures ahead of them. Addams taught the girls in the house how to sew to prevent them from growing up to be prostitutes. Addams provided many inner-city children with education, homes, and meals all at no cost from the goodness of her heart (Addams). In Sayreville, New Jersey, seven high school football players continuously picked on the under classmen until one day, the under classmen got enough. Soon after the under classmen came forward about what had been going on between junior varsity and the varsity boys, the seven boys were charged with aggravated assault and