University of Florida researchers tracked 5,476 juvenile criminals from 1987 to 1994. Those tried as adults committed new crimes sooner after their release from prison, and perpetrated more violent crimes. We need to prevent that when we lock up kids. Still, critics on both sides point out that the juvenile-justice system often doesn't engender turnarounds through treatment. Liberals say it's because of lack of funds and effective programs.
Conservatives say treatment methods are dubious at best.
In the end, though, observers caution about overreaction to high-profile juvenile crimes. We think kids are inexplicably out of control. It's just not true. Before bookmarking this page in your browser, click here . We offer them for your additional research.