Should Massachusetts Prosecute 17-Year-Olds as Adults?

The Massachusetts house passed legislation to treat most 17-year-olds as juvenile defenders. Is this a compassionate or dangerous change?

  Massachusetts is currently one of only 11 states that tries 17-year-olds as adults. A bill passed this week by the state's House of Representatives would make these teenagers juvenile defenders, according to a report by 7News Boston. That will put the commonwealth in line with most other states, where adult court is reserved for individuals 18 and older. The bill still allows the state to try 17-year-olds as adults in serious cases, like murders. But proponents hope the change will reduce cases of rape in the state's prison system by keeping younger inmates away from older, stronger convicts. What do you think? Are we getting too soft on younger defendants? Or is this a justified, compassionate change to protect teenagers? Tell us your …

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Iron Mike

9:52 am on Saturday, May 25, 2013

Well Robert, you seem very set on your position... Just wait until some 15 and 16 year olds commit a violent and grisly murder – maybe a multiple murder. When these happen, the press abets the murders by not publishing the gruesome details. But you wait,...because sooner or later some two-legged animals will do something truly wicked, - maybe to people you care about, - and they'll be tried as …   more ›

Letters to the Editor

Letter: Rep. Jim Dwyer Thanks Stoneham Constituents

Due to redistricting, Dwyer will no longer represent Stoneham's Precinct 3 in the Massachusettse House of Representatives.

Editor's note: This letter was provided to Stoneham Patch by Rep. Jim Dwyer. To the Residents of Stoneham: Over the past four years, I have had the honor and privilege to represent Stoneham’s precinct 3 in the Legislature. However, due to redistricting, Stoneham will now be represented by only one member of the House, my colleague Rep. Jason Lewis. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank the residents of precinct 3 for their support and the honor of representing them at the State House. I also want to thank the many other residents of Stoneham who supported my campaigns and offered words of encouragement along the way.  Sincerely, Jim Dwyer

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