A report by the Howard League for Penal Reform on behalf of the Transition to Adulthood Alliance (T2A) claims that the sentencing process for 18- to 25-year-olds, as it stands, does not sufficiently factor in the lessons from neuroscience, psychology and criminology concerning the development of young adults.
It said young adults face an increased risk of exposure to the criminal justice system compared with older adults, raising the risk of adverse outcomes and increased likelihood of reoffending, but are not afforded the protections given to children, despite their distinctive needs.
The report said courts are more than capable of factoring issues such as maturity into decision making but are less likely to do so in the absence of clear and firm guidance.
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