Bills in Louisiana and New Mexico seek to toughen juvenile justice laws amid rising youth crime concerns.

In Louisiana, a bill proposed by State Senator Heather Cloud would make it easier to try juveniles as adults for crimes like carjacking and arson, removing constitutional protections and putting the decision in lawmakers' hands. In New Mexico, District Attorney Sam Bregman proposed expanding juvenile charges to include more serious crimes and extending juvenile services to age 25, amid rising youth crime, including 24 homicides and 386 firearms cases in the past year. Both measures aim to toughen juvenile justice laws but face criticism over potential impacts on rehabilitation.

November 13, 2024
3 Articles