Wendy Kaminer

In response to recent incidents of violent juvenile crime, legislators have considered trying and punishing dangerous minors as adults. Opponents to this practice allege that incarcerating children in prisons will not only result in their brutal abuse at the hands of adults, but also in an increased rate of arrests after release. In the following viewpoint, Wendy Kaminer makes this argument. She contends that assistance programs for high school diplomas or job training are more effective at reducing crime than harsher punishments. Kaminer is a lawyer, author, and senior correspondent for the American Prospect.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to the author, what changes does the Juvenile Crime Control Act of 1997 implement in the juvenile justice system?
2. What does Kaminer consider to be the most dangerous aspect of the...