Amend in "rare cases" texas penial Code 8:07 to Hold Juvenile Murderers Accountable


Amend in "rare cases" texas penial Code 8:07 to Hold Juvenile Murderers Accountable
The Issue
In 2022, a dear friend was senselessly murdered in Gonzales County, TX. The perpetrator was a child, barely 7 and a half years old. Due to the current legislation in Texas Penal Code 8:07, this young murderer will not face any form of justice for this horrific act. This is not an isolated incident; it's reflective of a broader issue that needs immediate attention. The only reason why this child was caught was because he threatened another juvenile and said he would kill again because he had already killed a man.
Texas Penal Code Section 8.07 currently stipulates that children under the age of 10 cannot be held responsible for their crimes. While we understand the intent behind this law - recognizing the cognitive development differences between children and adults - we believe it fails to address instances where serious crimes are committed by those under ten.
The American Psychological Association states that by age seven, most children can distinguish right from wrong and understand consequences (APA). Yet our legal system does not reflect this understanding when it comes to grave offenses like murder.
We urge lawmakers in Texas to reconsider and amend Penal Code Section 8:07. We need legislation that balances the need for juvenile rehabilitation with ensuring justice is served for victims and their families.
Please sign this petition if you believe in fair justice for all victims, regardless of their perpetrator's age.
In this proposal
Brandon O’Quinn Rasberry’s law
Information on what the family would like to propose:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/Pe6isFR6AszpGFN1/?mibextid=qi2Omg
#Justiceforrasberry
Information on his case

478
The Issue
In 2022, a dear friend was senselessly murdered in Gonzales County, TX. The perpetrator was a child, barely 7 and a half years old. Due to the current legislation in Texas Penal Code 8:07, this young murderer will not face any form of justice for this horrific act. This is not an isolated incident; it's reflective of a broader issue that needs immediate attention. The only reason why this child was caught was because he threatened another juvenile and said he would kill again because he had already killed a man.
Texas Penal Code Section 8.07 currently stipulates that children under the age of 10 cannot be held responsible for their crimes. While we understand the intent behind this law - recognizing the cognitive development differences between children and adults - we believe it fails to address instances where serious crimes are committed by those under ten.
The American Psychological Association states that by age seven, most children can distinguish right from wrong and understand consequences (APA). Yet our legal system does not reflect this understanding when it comes to grave offenses like murder.
We urge lawmakers in Texas to reconsider and amend Penal Code Section 8:07. We need legislation that balances the need for juvenile rehabilitation with ensuring justice is served for victims and their families.
Please sign this petition if you believe in fair justice for all victims, regardless of their perpetrator's age.
In this proposal
Brandon O’Quinn Rasberry’s law
Information on what the family would like to propose:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/Pe6isFR6AszpGFN1/?mibextid=qi2Omg
#Justiceforrasberry
Information on his case

478
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Petition created on April 18, 2024
