U.S., only country that routinely sentences children to life in prison without parole

[maxmarkov]

https://theintercept.com/2016/06/03/...ithout-parole/

[maxmarkov]

I don't doubt any of your examples, but I don't think they prove that those kids can't be rehabilitated, instead they once more prove that prisons are bound to fail. People who committed crimes are locked up with others who committed crimes and are expected to turn good in such an environment? No, they'll just find new "partners" and get deeper into the mess.

Young people can still be molded, they can still be led into the right direction, prisons most of the time achieve the opposite. Prisons are a form of punishment, when instead some form of long-term, rehabilitation therapy is needed. They need positive activities, things that direct their focus to positive stuff, things that are creative, demanding, selfless, helpful to others, etc., they also have to learn to truly understand their mistakes, what they have done wrong and why it was wrong and how to avoid making the same mistakes again. They should to be taught, inspired and motivated instead of constantly blamed and condemned. Punishment rarely helps, but intelligent, trustworthy and dedicated support can do wonders.

[Casey Schmidt]

The idea of rehabilitation instead of punishment is definitely an interesting one. Our current system isn't broken, but it's certainly not as good as it could be. Wouldn't hurt to at least temporarily implement a more rehab-focused sentence for young offenders.

[Craig Murray]

Every other country in the world seems to be ok without this kind of treatment of it's children... shrug.