Fewer Teenagers in Lockups

"Fewer Teens in Lockups". nytimes.com. Posted 20 Sept 2011. Web. 20 Sept 2011. <http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/20/opinion/fewer-teenagers-in-lockups.html?_r=1&ref=opinion>.

Summary

This article presents the topic of teen criminals. According to this article, teen offenders often times become more dangerous criminals if their first offence puts them directly in the jailhouse. Instead, it is stated that teens with less severe crimes should be put into "community-based guidance programs". It appears that crimes involving killing or assault have reduced, and that crimes involving substance abuse have increased. However, the number of teens being "locked up" have remained practically the same. 

Author's Intent and Intended Audience

The author of this article believes that teenagers should not merely be put in jail for their offences. He/she feels this is ineffective and that, instead, teens should be taught through a supervised program that what they have done is wrong and learn how to change their lifestyles and/or friends to put their lives on the right track. This article is meant to reach out to the judicial system and ask them to change their views on teen arrests. 

Evidence/Supports

"John Jay College of Criminal Justice shows that only 1 in 20 arrests of young people are for serious, violent crimes like murder, rape or aggravated assault. About 80% of those taken in state custody are locked up for druch offenses, minsdemeanors or property crimes

Fallacies/ Biases

The author of this editorial has clearly took a stance for rehab-like programs, as opposed to a simple arrest. It seems that he/she does not feel that teens learn their lesson and, thus, do not change their ways.

Response

This article has all the facts and seems well supported. However, this may be a difficult thing to change because the issue is not hit or miss. These cases would have to be interpreted differently and managed more thoroughly. This will cost money and consume time that the government may or may not have.

Good Topic For Me?

I do no believe this is a good topic for me to write about because finding more editorials on this particular subject would be difficult. It is only somewhat controversial, and I do not feel that this issue is as large of a problem as the author of this article does. 

Good Topic For Others?

For someone more interested  or who has more knowledge and personal experience with this topic, potentially this would be a good topic. Perhaps one could research a more specific article to gain more insight to the problem.