Speaks Out

Tried as an adult for the death of a 6-year-old girl,
Lionel Tate, 13, was convicted of first-degree murder and became
the youngest person in Florida history to receive a life sentence.
Tate’s defense blamed violent television programming for the
incident. What is your opinion about this case and about trying
juveniles as adults? Ray Quevedo
Second-year Undeclared "I don’t think life imprisonment is the way
to solve this type of problem. This teenager may have had qualities
that could benefit society in a positive way. These, however, will
go to waste if he spends the rest of his life in prison. I think
alternative programs that allow teens to vent out their anger would
be more beneficial than putting them in prison. I believe a
person’s behavior can change with these types of programs."
Paula Peters Second-year Communication studies "I
don’t believe juveniles should be tried as adults; they should be
given another chance – Tate was only 13 years old. Our efforts
would be put to better use through counselling, rather than putting
kids in jail. I think parents should watch out for their kids and
take an active role in their upbringing; we can’t blame it all on
society. There isn’t a case where I would ever agree with trying a
juvenile as an adult." Latrice Hight Fourth-year
English "If the child is old enough to commit an adult crime, then
he should receive adult punishment that fits the crime. This
teenager cut the young girl’s life too short. If he was bold enough
to commit the crime, then he should be bold enough to take the
punishment. There is a lot of violence on television, but this is
not to blame. The motive to kill has to come from something deeper
within the person." Alex Kozitsky Second-year
Computer science "I think the punishment was harsh. Juveniles
should be tried separately, not as adults. Even though what Tate
did was wrong, he deserves another chance. I was surprised that a
court would allow someone that young to receive a life sentence.
Television and the rest of the entertainment industry definitely
increases violence among kids. I wouldn’t be surprised if this was
the real reason why he killed the girl." Adrianne
DeCastro Third-year English and communication studies
"It’s unfortunate that this young child has to go to jail for such
a long time, but that’s the way our system works. I only hope that
our system can change so that parents are held more responsible for
their children’s actions. I’m in agreement with the decision
because I need to support what the law says now, but there are
things about our system that need to be revamped." Arturo
Nuno Second-year Chicano studies and business economics "I
don’t think treating a juvenile as an adult is the answer; it
doesn’t accomplish anything. Juveniles who commit crimes are
children, and they still have a lot of growing up to do. Convicting
them for life takes away any chance at a future. By putting them in
prison for such a long time, we’re just developing individuals with
contempt for society." Speaks Out compiled by Cuauhtemoc Ortega,
Daily Bruin Senior Staff. Photos by Ed Lin, Daily Bruin
Contributor.