By: Nicholas Turner

New York State has long been a national leader in justice reform, most notably in recent years by reducing the prison population and closing correctional facilities, dismantling the draconian Rockefeller Drug Laws, and taking steps to ameliorate the collateral consequences of a criminal conviction. For too long, however, the Empire State has lagged at the back of the pack in its treatment of 16 and 17-year-olds as adults in the criminal justice system.

New York stands as one of only two states — along with North Carolina — that treat defendants so young so harshly. Fortunately, Governor Cuomo’s Commission on Youth, Public Safety & Justice has put forth a set of proposals — most importantly, raising the age of juvenile jurisdiction from 16 to 18 — that would create non-punitive responses that keep kids out of the adult system and better serve their needs, keep families together, and enhance community safety…

Originally posted on Huffington Post

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