JASMINE THOMPSON

P4

Alonza Thomas and Marc Wabafiyebazu are two of thousands of minors who
have been charged as adults, and have been sent to an adult jail or prison. Now, is
it really fair to send juveniles to an adult prison or jail? In my opinion it is, but the
states should have the right to decide whether or not to send a juvenile to an
adult prison.
Thomas committed one of the most dangerous crimes following after
homicide itself- armed robbery. Although he was under the influence of
someone, it still doesnt make it okay. In 2000, this 16 year old freshman in
highschool was sent to Supermax Prison, making him the first minor to be tried
as an adult in Kern County, after proposition 21 was passed. After serving his
time, Thomas did rejoin society.
Marc Wabafiyebazu, 15, was just recently sent to an adult prison in Miami,
Florida. He is considered an accessory to murder. Charged with a felony murder
charge. He intended to rob 3 drug dealers along with his brother. His brother was
killed in the process along with one drug dealer.
I believe that if you are a big enough boy to commit crimes, then you are a
big enough boy to be charged with a crime. As a young child, you are taught
right from wrong. Therefore, you should know that it is unacceptable to go
around shooting people, robbing, and committing other crimes. But, I also believe
that the state should be able to determine whether or not that specific juvenile
should be bound over to an adult prison or not, because they will be able to look
at the situation and make the best decision possible.
Is it really fair to send juveniles to an adult prison or jail? I honestly believe it
is, because these are the decisions that you are choosing to make, so if you make
a wrong decision, you need to face the consequences of your actions. I also
believe that the states should be in charge of deciding whether or not a juvenile
can be bound over to an adult court, because if the state looks at the case, they
can carefully determine the fate of a minor.