[RickM]

Originally posted by stomachmonkey
Well then 16/17 year olds should have the right to drink, smoke, vote, get a full blown drivers license (not learners permit) etc...

Why? It's one thing to have an age limit on regulated activities and another to allow juveniles to get away with something that's illegal and against the norms of society.

Murder is usually a crime of passion or is not premeditated.

????????????? Did you make this up?

What about drive-by gang bangers? Their intent is nothing but to commit murder.

As said before, old enough to do the crime then old enough to pay for it. I believe a punishment equal to the crime is fair.