[legion]

When I think back to how I was as a teenage, I was stupid. Some of the pranks I and my friends pulled could have easily accidentally killed someone (usually one of us setting up the prank). I think that those under 18 should at least be given the opportunity to see through their mistakes.

I'm all for the death penalty, but not for anyone under 18. For anyone under 18, I think that they should be given 20-30 years in prison at the least--and then only released if they understand what they have done, are sorry for it, and pose no risk of doing it again. Even the age of 18 is a compromise for me--as I maintain that I was stupid until I was 20.

My opinion comes from seeing a few over-zealous prosecutors (Jim Ryan, Joe Birkett) try for the death penalty with juveniles to make their careers, not because of anything in the case. I guess they figure if they can put a few kids on death row, it shows they are extra-super-duper tough on crime.

BTW, bryanthompson, maybe you can find an opinion from one of the above mentioned prosecutors for your paper.