14 is just too young. I can't accept throwing away the key on children

[polly7]

80. I don't believe any child should be automatically tried and judged as an adult

only because they're not adults, and the part of the brain involved in decision-making and emotions is still very much a work in progress. Scarletwoman asked these questions and I thought they were good ones, http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=4072660 - maybe it is possible he's just wired wrong and there is no hope for rehabilitation, but how would anyone know - or does it even matter? I just don't understand the need to immediately throw a child literally to the wolves and horror of an adult prison without at least trying for some sort of understanding and the consideration of other options ... which imho should not include release for a long, long time, but at least many years in a controlled setting.

And again, my heart hurts for the victim in this case, and her family.