(March 30, 2001) — Picture this: you’re in front of your TV enjoying a Coke. You turn the channel and you’re just in time for Court TV. You’re probably thinking that the defendant is a twenty-something-year-old from the barrios. But surprise! The defendant is a fifteen-year-old guy from some high school you’ve never heard of—being tried as an adult. Everyone can agree that those who commit crimes should be punished for their actions. But the question is whether a minor should be tried as an adult even though they aren’t. Naturally the adult courts are harsher than juvenile courts. According to a recent article from the Washington Post, officials report some teenagers prefer to be tried as adults, believing that they’ll be treated leniently. Instead, adult court judges won’t hesitate to jail violent minors. Juvenile records are sealed and the court can only hold defendants until they’re 21. A conviction on the adult level goes on their permanent record and they might receive a long prison sentence depending on the crime. For less serious crimes it’s ridiculous to have a minor tried at the adult level. Why should the government try a thirteen-year-old for stealing gum at the adult level? It’s stupid reasoning—and such a petty theft shouldn’t be on their permanent record. But for violent crimes such as rape or murder, let them be tried as adults, especially if they are repeat offenders. These are serious crimes even for a minor and sometimes it takes a harsh punishment to clean them up or at least make them realize that the world doesn’t revolve around them. Shouldn’t the government give just punishments to those who deserve it? For example, earlier this year, in San Diego 15-year-old Charles “Andy” Williams fired bullets killing two and wounding 13 in Santana High School. If he is convicted at the juvenile level, he will be held in a juvenile facility at least until he’s 25 with a prosecution option of demanding more prison time when he is released. But is this really enough to fully punish someone who has murdered two people and wounded 13 others? Holding Williams and people like him in prison until they’re 21 or so isn’t enough for the outrageous crimes they have committed. Serious offenders should be punished for stealing people’s innocence and lives, whether they are teenagers or adults. A mere few years in prison is not enough for the lifetime of pain they have inflicted on others. Don’t the victims deserve justice too?