Even conservative panels he assembled couldn't agree to the draconian measures that are now included on the March Ballot he is sponsoring. Takes the power to try youth as adults out of the hands of judges , who review them on a case by case basis, and puts it in the hands of prosecutors. For certain offences, charges will be filed automatically in adult court. The problem is children aren't adults, which is why they can't drive, or vote, or marry or drink or even buy cigarettes, for example. Youth don't make adult decisions.
Youth are impressionable.
1999 is the 100 th anniversary of a Juvenile justice system in the United States. Our great great grands, contemplating their new millennium in 1899, thought better of housing young people in trouble with adults who had committed crimes. Many of us reading this column, if we reflect back, should be glad they did. If you don't live in California, be on the look out for state and federal legislation that mirrors this initiative. Talk to your friends in California about it.