Dear friends,
Would you want to be judged for the rest of your life by your behavior at age16?
Of course not, but that's the law in New York where sixteen and seventeen year olds are tried as adults in the criminal justice system.
As I told the New York Times :
"We just know from too much experience that violent criminals start out as nonviolent offenders. The goal is to intervene with those kids early and steer them away."
Thanks to Chief Judge Lippman, we have a chance to do just that.
Last week, I had the honor of attending Judge Lippman's annual State of the Judiciary speech in Albany, where the Crime Commission was recognized for its work to raise the age of criminal responsibility in New York
Judge Lippman proposed a new specialized Youth Court to address the unique needs of non-violent 16 and 17 year olds. In so doing, the Youth Court would bring the options available under the Family Court Act to the criminal justice syste, which would allow it to hold kids accountable through expanded access to rigorous rehabilitative alternatives and diversion programs
The Crime Commission is working hard to make the Judge's vision a reality. Together we can help improve the lives of thousands of kids, and keep our streets safe.
Richard M. Aborn