When young people face criminal charges, there are different ways they can defend themselves. The law sees minors differently than adults. Here are some important defenses for minors:
Lack of Capacity: Young people often don’t fully understand the consequences of their actions. Because of this, they might not intend to commit a crime. This can be a strong defense.
Insanity Defense: Just like adults, minors can use an insanity defense. This means they can show they didn’t understand what they were doing or couldn't tell right from wrong because of a mental health issue.
Parental Supervision: If a minor was influenced or controlled by a parent or guardian, this might lessen their responsibility. They could argue that the parent didn’t provide proper guidance.
Entrapment: If the police encouraged the minor to commit a crime, they might use an entrapment defense. This raises the question of whether the minor would have done it without that influence.
Diminished Responsibility: Minors can also argue that their age and level of maturity affected how their actions should be viewed legally.
These defenses show that the law understands young people are still growing and changing. It’s important for justice to consider these differences.
When young people face criminal charges, there are different ways they can defend themselves. The law sees minors differently than adults. Here are some important defenses for minors:
Lack of Capacity: Young people often don’t fully understand the consequences of their actions. Because of this, they might not intend to commit a crime. This can be a strong defense.
Insanity Defense: Just like adults, minors can use an insanity defense. This means they can show they didn’t understand what they were doing or couldn't tell right from wrong because of a mental health issue.
Parental Supervision: If a minor was influenced or controlled by a parent or guardian, this might lessen their responsibility. They could argue that the parent didn’t provide proper guidance.
Entrapment: If the police encouraged the minor to commit a crime, they might use an entrapment defense. This raises the question of whether the minor would have done it without that influence.
Diminished Responsibility: Minors can also argue that their age and level of maturity affected how their actions should be viewed legally.
These defenses show that the law understands young people are still growing and changing. It’s important for justice to consider these differences.