How would you feel if the police arrested children all over our country and jailed them for simply crossing the street the wrong way or pushing another child on the playground ? This is what happens to many minors across the United States; they are sent to adult prisons for crimes that do not deserve such harsh punishments. Why they were tried as adults is anyone's guess and we will explain why this is a terrible injustice. In 1899, children aged 7 to 14 were considered incapable of committing criminal intent. The legal system at the time believed that if enough evidence could be gathered to convince a jury, the minor would be found guilty and sent to an adult prison. Currently in our state, people as young as 14 can be tried as adults, due to the effects of Emily's Law. Emily's Law was created when her parents left her with a babysitting company and the owner's 13-year-old son raped the 2-year-old girl and threw her against the wall. She then died of shock. Despite the severity of the sentences handed down to minors, a court specifically for young offenders was created in 1899. Judging minors as adults is too harsh, because the charges against them are unjust. Instead, these children could be rehabilitated and become productive citizens. Sending them to prison will leave them vulnerable to mortal danger and destroy any chance to change, thrive and reintegrate into society. Each year, juvenile courts in the United States handle approximately 1.7 million cases in which youth have been charged with a delinquent offense. . In 2007, juvenile courts handled approximately 4,600 delinquency cases per day. Trends in juvenile court cases have tracked declines in arrests of people under 18. In 1996, more than... middle of paper ...... to improve rather than rot in prison for years. Overall, we believe that rehabilitation is by far the best choice for a child who has done wrong in the past but wants forgiveness and a fresh start. In conclusion, incarcerating simple children in prison makes them vulnerable to deadly things such as staff, inmates, and mental disorders. /physical weakness. Burton, who has just been released from prison, says: "A lot of things in prison harden you as a human being and you have to toughen up to survive or you won't have a chance." Don't think for a second that you'll get away with it just because of your age. These children have had no mercy because of their age and they have their lives ahead of them. Play with the law now, because if you can't serve your time, don't commit a crime. Works Cited, Google Scholar, Wikipedia, Solitary Watch.