In a far-reaching decision, the state’s highest court upheld the dismissal of a murder indictment against a Lynn teenager, reflecting a growing legal consensus that juvenile defendants’ youth makes them less culpable of their crimes.
The ruling sets forth new law, requiring prosecutors to tell grand juries that juveniles indicted on murder charges will be tried as adults, information that might prompt jurors to instead consider lesser charges.
Comments
I don't see why 'youthful' murderers should be afforded any special consideration based on their age....they have commited a terrible violent crime and should be punished accordingly. Many of these murders are drug or gang based, if special consideration is given based on age - then the adults involved will simply recruit more and more teenagers to commit these crimes, and the teenagers will feel protected from prosecution.
The previous comment is right on.