ONLINE FEEDBACK
The article “Decision in gang murder case extends teen brain development defense to 18-year-olds” (April 2) prompted an online exchange about the implications of the case.
“…I honestly think most people are not grown by 18, and not even at 21. Since the end of WW2 we have been drawing out childhood and adolescence, making each generation less able to cope with the demands of the adult world, yet give them car keys way before they’re mature enough to drive, and are forced to live with their often immature decisions that will affect the rest of their lives.
I think a recognition of the slowness of brain development in the human species is the inevitable outcome of the evidence that has presented itself in recent years, and I approve of it for that reason.” — archieandalice
“This is a case of “comic justice” winning out over actual justice.
“Justice is a relatively simple thing. If he is guilty, that is it. Cosmic justice sets out to try and right all of the innumerable wrongs and uneven chances a person has as a net benefit/net loss in his lifetime. Cosmic justice is never truly achieved, and has a great cost to others. In this case two dead people and a teaching lack of responsibility to a whole generation.
“‘Cosmic Justice’ is ... a great reason why CT is headed in the trash heap. All good intentions, but many unintended consequences of social programs based on ‘cosmic justice’ that never achieve their goal, and have a great cost to others.” — SDMat61
“Young brains ‘show problems with impulse control and self-regulation and heightened sensation- seeking, which would make them in those respects more similar to somewhat younger people than to older people.’ 18 year olds can vote. Voting is none of the above. 18 year olds can serve in the military. Serving in the military is mostly routine and is sometimes tedious and requires one to be highly disciplined. In combat problems with impulse control and self-regulation are not tolerated either. We have age 21 for alcohol use for good reasons.” — newlondonfan