91172.pdf

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from experts representing the American Society of Criminology, the Academy of
Criminal Justice Sciences, and the Law and Society Association, the death penalty-
has not proven itself to be a deterrent to crime (Radelet & Akers, 1995). Therefore,
the death penalty has not served its primary function in society. For this reason,
policy analysts must question why children are being executed, despite the research
showing that the intended effects of the death penalty have failed. Moreover, if the
juvenile justice system continues to maintain that rehabilitation is the most appro-
priate goal for youthful offenders, then the death penalty is obviously incompatible
with such a goal. Cases such as Terry Roach illustrate the need tor special consid-
erations in sentencing juveniles, particularly when capital punishment is involved,
Terry's attorney stated that his client lacked the ability to think about the conse-
quences of his actions. By killing such children, society abdicates its responsibility to
teach appropriate ways to control behavior as well as the skills needed to think and
understand consequences for one's conduct. Particularly since the juvenile justice
system prides itself on rehabilitation, it needs to consider, and explain to the public,
why killing a child becomes the appropriate remedy when rehabilitation has not
even been attempted.

Suggestions for Future Research

Few studies address the psychological impact of death row on juveniles. This knowl-

edge is crucial in order to provide appropriate services to these children. Research

also needs to explore what factors influence the jurors who decide to impose the

death penalty upon youthful offenders. The law states that age could be considered

as a possible mitigating factor in capital cases. The literature has not established

when jurors accept age as a mitigating factor and when they do not. The majority

of experts in the disciplines of criminology, sociology, and psychology oppose the

death penalty for juveniles. However, research is sparse concerning the reasons for

their opinion. In addition, we know little about the effects of sentencing a child to

death for society. Investigators need to explore why the majority of the population

favors the death penalty when new laws regulating its use for juvenile offenders are

not being established.

Juvenile Boot Camp

Introduction

Juvenile boot-camp facilities have become an increasingly popular response to ado-
lescent crime in the United States. Often referred to as shock incarceration, boot
camps are based on the premise that instilling regimen and discipline in young of-
fenders will decrease subsequent criminal behavior. Controversy exists as to whether