Question

Many theorists have argued what they believe are the factors that cause crime. But, few have articulated that criminal activity is simply a natural part of the life course (within some societies). In fact, while most theories articulate why crime might begin, none adequately describe why it stops. That is, until now.

Given the basic premises of developmental theories, if you believe it to be true that crime is something that is likely to occur during one's youth, until turning points and life experiences make one change their negative course of action, what are your thoughts about the following:

1) Given that most people are going to age out of crime anyway, does it truly make sense to have harsh penalties for those under age 22-25? Is it possible that the very act of incarceration prevents the natural aging out process?? Does it take them away from the job market and from learning self-regulating skills that others aged 18-22/25 learn naturally?

2) Given that adolescence is being extended to cover "youth" aged 18-23, do you think that the "natural" aging out process is likely to take place much later than historically it might have? Or will laws that apply to adults vs youth continue to pressure 18+ to behave more positively - esp in light of the fact that many juveniles are treated like adults already?

3) Lastly, did you personally ever experience a turning point or "ah ha" moment where you started to mature or otherwise decide to stop your crime committing ways? What prompted this??

Answer 1

Though the issue under consideration has always been a matter of moral, ethical and political ambiguity, and may continue to be so, it is worthy of ongoing opinionizing.

Keeping in mind the developmental stages an individual transcends in their life, it is necessary to consider the possibility of unfinished businesses or fixations taking place at each stage, due to a multitude of personal as well as environmental reasons and variables interplaying in the individual’s life. Thus, every case and the factors that surround it is different, be it premeditated or momentary. Therefore, it becomes a matter of humanity to allow everyone an opportunity to redeem themselves after an act of inhumanity. Adolescents need to be treated differently from adults in the light of commitment of such acts, owing to the increasingly vulnerable developmental stage they present themselves with, as compared to adults who have just surpassed and made, at least some, sense of the same. Of course, though nothing less than the execution of the perpetrator of a crime against humanity, may serve as, at least minimum solace to the loved ones of the victim, it must also be kept in mind that no human is infallible, including the victim and his/her loved ones.

Of utmost importance is to be punitive in the way of prison sentence, but this may need to be mandatorily supplemented with intense and thorough psychological assessment and rehabilitation of both the offender and his/her immediate environment, in addition to each of their redeemable qualities, so that adequate scope is provided for both ‘genuine regret’ as well as ‘regret following forced transformation.’ This may also be in place in order to facilitate barrier-free reintegration into the society and serving as productive members, following release from prison, and also to refrain from depriving them of living their crucial years to the fullest. Exceptions may be there though. In the case of presumably well-rehabilitated individuals who continue to offend humanity subsequent to their release, a chance to redeem themselves may not suffice; a highly stringent punishment may be the final verdict this time, once again accompanied by highly intense rehabilitation and mental preparation to face the future, as it may be lesser likely for the individual to be accepted by the society a second time. Ultimately, rehabilitating one individual is not to be deemed equal to risking/taking the lives of two.

I personally experience turning-points each day in my life in some way or the other. Each time I fall short of my own standards, I consider it an instance of self-punishable crime, as I believe that each one of us is our own destroyer and rehabilitator. The idea that prompted me to take such a stand was that each one of us has the obligation to attempt to live the present in such a way that we clearly gauge the likely consequences and regret that may follow as a result of the chosen actions.