Cartoon Analysis

By: Edgar Canela

Cartoon #8
 Kent v. United States (1966)

● Morrison Kent was 16 years old at the time of the apprehension.

● Juvenile Court decided to waive jurisdiction and have Kent be tried as an
adult.
● Kent was charged with robbery, breaking in and rape.
● Juvenile Court Act requires a “full investigation” before a person can tried
as an adult
 Decision

● Supreme Court ruled in favor of the plaintiff. Justice Fortas opinion

concluded that the subject’s 14th amendment was violated, for he did not
receive due process.
● The suspect was interrogated without having his parents knowledge. The
suspect was also not notified of his right to remain silent.
 My Opinion

I disagree with the court opinion. The lack of procedures is irrelevant. The fact
that he admitted to the crimes proves that he did it. Furthermore, there was
physical evidence in the form of fingerprints at the scene of the crime that
prove this. It has been affirmed that when an adolescent commits a serious
crime like rape or murder they can be prosecuted as an adult.
 Sources

https://www.oyez.org/cases/1965/104

https://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/383/541

http://www.lawrelatededucation.org/resources/law-related-education-docume
nts-pdfs/category/2-criminal-law-juvenile-justice?download=39:kent_v_united_s
tates