A bill pending before the Minnesota legislature would allow judges to try children as young as 10 as adults in the state. A growing body of evidence shows that adult trials and long periods of incarceration are not the answer for children convicted of crimes, even the most violent crimes.

While terrible crimes are sometimes committed by young people, there is little benefit to society by punishing kids for actions they don't fully understand. Treatment and rehabilitation are never more important than when the defendant is a child. Tell members of the Minnesota House Committee on Public Safety, Crime Prevention Policy and Finance that "Emily's Law" is a counterproductive proposition and that state resources could be much better spent on treatment and services for young people and crime victims.

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