Justice system fails teen-ager with life sentence

Editor,

I am deeply saddened with the recent news of a 14-year-old boy being sentenced to life in prison for a crime he committed at the age of 12.

I am not heavy-hearted that the Florida boy committed the horrendous crime but that our justice system has failed him. A jury in January convicted the boy of first-degree murder for battering a 6-year-old girl to death in 1999 while his mother was asleep. The boy contends he was imitating wresting moves. Hopefully, this will spark controversy as to what role the WWF plays in shaping American culture.

It was apparent in my recent political science studies that the justice system in the United States was designed to punish people for their behavior, but more importantly, to rehabilitate the individual. In taking a closer look at this case you will find that Lionel Tate, the accused boy, does not fit the description of teen-age murderers.

One common distinction: remorse. On March 5, it was apparent that the teenager accused of killing two classmates in Los Angeles has no remorse. The Columbine massacre is another example. But what effect, if any, does this play with finding justice in the murder?

As a society, it is our responsibility to condemn criminal behavior and rehabilitate the deviant accordingly. We will fail Lionel Tate. He will not have the opportunity to prove himself in society as a changed individual. He will spend the rest of his life in a prison cell, condemned for a crime that could have been avoided.

Life in prison is too long. He has shown remorse, he is sorry for the act and, most importantly, he accepts responsibility. I must clarify, his crime should not go unpunished. However, let’s take an in-depth approach to this young man and punish fittingly.

Jason Gil Bear

Undergraduate student