Support Youth Justice Reform Through Science and Compassion

Every year in Colorado, individuals under the age of 25 are treated as adults in the legal system, facing penalties that overlook essential findings regarding brain development. I am initiating this petition to encourage the Colorado General Assembly to increase the minimum age for adult criminal prosecution from 18 to 25 for nonviolent crimes. This change would bring our legal framework in line with decades of neuroscience research and assist numerous young Coloradans in breaking free from cycles of trauma and incarceration. It is time to advocate for Youth Justice Reform grounded in Science and Compassion.

Each year, countless young individuals across the United States are subjected to adult court trials, despite strong scientific evidence indicating that their brains are still maturing. I am launching this petition because I believe our justice system should embody contemporary research and human empathy—elements it frequently overlooks in cases involving young offenders. Having studied this matter extensively and witnessed its consequences firsthand, I understand that treating individuals under 25 as adults inflicts lasting damage. They are placed in punitive settings that do not cater to their developmental requirements, with minimal chances for genuine rehabilitation. We are letting down our youth—particularly those from at-risk backgrounds—and consequently, we are letting down our society.

Who is Affected

Young individuals, particularly those under 25, face significant risks of enduring psychological damage when they are prosecuted in adult courts and placed in adult correctional facilities. Take the case of Miguel Moll, a 17-year-old who was tried as an adult for a nonviolent offense. His experience in an adult prison forced him into a survival mentality, leading him to state, 'I became a beast just like them, in order to keep the other beasts off of me' (Laird, 2017). Following his release, the trauma he experienced contributed to his reoffending. Unfortunately, Miguel's experience is not an isolated incident; many young people emerge from the adult justice system in a worse state than when they entered, trapped in a relentless cycle of crime and despair

What is at Stake 

Research indicates that the human brain does not reach full maturity until approximately the age of 25, with the prefrontal cortex—crucial for decision-making, impulse regulation, and understanding consequences—being the last area to develop (National Research Council, 1970). Despite this, many states continue to treat 18-year-olds as fully accountable adults, disregarding their ongoing neurological and emotional growth. Increasing the age for adult prosecution would shield young individuals from harmful environments that can adversely affect their mental health and lead to higher rates of reoffending. In contrast, juvenile courts focus on rehabilitation and can offer essential support during this critical developmental period (Spivack, 2019). Some states, such as Illinois, have successfully raised the juvenile age to 18 without a corresponding rise in crime rates (Spivack, 2019). However, this still does not fully align with current neuroscientific understanding. If reforms are not implemented, countless young people will continue to be funneled into adult court systems, where their futures are determined by punitive measures rather than opportunities for restoration.

Why We Must Act Now

We possess both the scientific understanding and the legal framework necessary for change—so what are we waiting for? Research in neuroscience consistently shows that the brains of young individuals remain highly adaptable and receptive to intervention until they reach approximately 25 years of age (National Research Council, 1970; Wikimedia Foundation, 2024). The existing system not only overlooks this critical fact but also subjects young offenders to trauma, abuse, and environments that perpetuate detrimental behaviors. Altering our laws to increase the minimum age for adult prosecution to 25 for nonviolent offenses represents a significant move towards a justice system that prioritizes rehabilitation over punishment. Individuals under 25 should be given the chance to grow, learn from their errors, and make meaningful contributions to society.

Join Me in Calling for Justice

Colorado has the potential to lead the nation in integrating scientific principles into the justice system. Treating young adults as if they possess the same maturity as fully developed individuals is not only ethically questionable but also scientifically flawed. We must strive for a justice system that appropriately holds individuals accountable while still allowing for opportunities for personal growth and transformation. Our goal is not to seek leniency; instead, we advocate for a logical and evidence-based approach. The data is clear, and the path forward is achievable. By signing this petition, you are endorsing a more thoughtful and compassionate justice system that protects our youth and communities. Together, we can raise the age for adult prosecution to 25 for nonviolent crimes, prioritize rehabilitation and mental health resources for young offenders, and ensure that sentencing reflects a scientific understanding of developmental maturity rather than arbitrary legal thresholds. We urge you to sign and share this petition to help us improve the standards of justice—no one should be sentenced before their brain has fully developed.

You can reach out directly to the governor's office to express your support for adjusting the juvenile justice age by getting in touch with  the Colorado General Assembly.

Colorado General Assembly
200 E Colfax Avenue
Denver, CO 80203
Email: comments.ga@coleg.gov

References (APA 7 Style)
Granner, B. (2022, March 18). Minimum age of prosecution of 12: What does it mean and why does it matter? National Commission on Correctional Health Care. https://www.ncchc.org/minimum-age-of-prosecution-of-12-what-does-it-mean-and-why-does-itmatter

Laird, L. (2017, February 1). States raising age for adult prosecution back to 18. ABA Journal. http://www.abajournal.com/authors/27616/

Loeffler, C. E. (2017). Estimating the crime effects of raising the age of majority. Criminology & Public Policy, 16(1), 45–72. https://doi.org/10.1111/1745-9133.12268

Loomis-Gustafson, C. (2021). Adjusting the bright-line age of accountability within the criminal justice system. Duquesne Law Review, 55(1). https://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?handle=hein.journals%2Fduqu55&div=10&id&page

National Research Council. (1970). From neurons to neighborhoods: The science of early childhood development. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK225562/

Spivack, L. P. (2019). Raise the age: Legislation reform for the juvenile justice system. Columbia Social Work Review, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.7916/cswr.v13i1.1867

Wikimedia Foundation. (2024, November 2). History of neuroscience. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_neuroscience