Juvenile Justice System in the United States

What is the main distinction between the American juvenile justice system and the system that deals with adult defendants?

• Adults receive harsher punishments than juveniles.

• Juvenile defendants are considered less blameworthy due to immature decision-making and impulse control.

• All juveniles are tried as adults in the United States.

• Adults are not eligible for life without parole.

As of 2012, how many juvenile offenders had been convicted under the age of 14 on charges of homicide and sentenced to life behind bars in the United States?

• 79

• 14

• 2005

• 14 years old

What does the phrase "aggravated murder" most likely refer to in this context?

• A less serious form of murder due to the age of the offender.

• A type of murder where the victim is related to the offender.

• A type of intentional murder where the victim was killed while the offender was in the process of committing another crime.

• A murder that is not planned in advance.

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

What did the U.S. Supreme Court decide regarding the death penalty for juveniles in 2005?

• It upheld the death penalty for juveniles.

• It struck down the death penalty for juveniles.

• It made the death penalty mandatory for juveniles.

• It decided that juveniles could be tried as adults for the death penalty.

What is the Supreme Court's stance on life without parole for nonhomicide crimes committed by juveniles?

• The court has upheld life without parole for nonhomicide crimes.

• The court has struck down life without parole for nonhomicide crimes.

• The court has made life without parole mandatory for nonhomicide crimes.

• The court has not yet decided on the issue.

What is the main argument that Bryan Stevenson, the defense lawyer, is making regarding mandatory punishment for 14-year-olds?

• The defendant's age and background should be considered when deciding the punishment.

• Juvenile offenders should receive the death penalty instead of life without parole.

• Mandatory life without parole for juveniles is not a cruel and unusual punishment.

• The American legal system treats minors as fully culpable adults.

According to the text, what did Evan Miller receive as a sentence for his crime?

• Life with parole eligibility.

• A brief period of rehabilitation.

• Life without parole.

• The death penalty.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

What does the term "mitigate" mean as used in the text?

• To increase the severity of an offense or mistake.

• To lessen the gravity of an offense or mistake.

• To hold someone fully responsible for an offense.

• To provide legal representation for someone.

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

What does the term "culpable" mean as used in the text?

• Incapable of committing a crime.

• Deserving of blame.

• In need of rehabilitation.

• Protected by the legal system.

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

What does the term "rehabilitate" mean as used in the text?

• To punish someone severely for their crimes.

• To provide someone with legal advice.

• To restore (someone) to health or socially accepted behavior through training and therapy.

• To incarcerate someone for life without parole.

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4