Question

Christopher Simmons was accused of committing first-degree murder at age 17. Steinberg worked with APA on an amicus curiae brief for the case that referenced numerous studies showing that adolescents often lack the ability to make mature judgments, control their impulses and consider the consequences of their actions. Citing APA's amicus brief, the court ruled that Simmons could not receive the death penalty. Since then, capital punishment has been deemed unconstitutional for individuals under age 18.I personally feel if someone could do such an offensive thing at such a young age then we should not waste even a day to punish them to the level that hurts them. I personally believe that people need to be punished based on the intensity of crime that they performed as individuals and ensure that every possible measure is taken to get them clear.

Answer 1

Advance in neuropsychological research found that teens brain remains immature through early adulthood. Study is based on their impulsivity, risk taking, and poor social judgement of teens. Because of adults brains are not fully devoloped they cannot achieve critical mechanism of impulsive and behaviour controls.

Teens at age around 17 are poor decision makers when it comes to crime. Adult court places juveniles in a different legal contest and the developmental deficits of the teens make them leaa culpable and also make them less competent defendants and unreliable witnesses. Their immaturity makea them less understanding about their rights and rights of others owing to many severe criminal activities.