05.11.2015 - By University at Buffalo School of Social Work
In the majority of U.S. states, individuals age 16 or 17 who are arrested will have their cases heard in juvenile or family courts. However, in the states of New York and North Carolina, 16 and 17 year olds who are arrested find their cases handled in adult criminal court. In New York State, the "Raise the Age" campaign is an effort to change that state's law and move cases involving 16 and 17 year old offenders out of the adult courts. In this episode, Ms. Ronjonette Harrison explains why raising the age is important and describes an alternative to adult court.