Detroit Free Press Editorial: Repeal Michigan’s juvenile lifer law

Today’s Detroit Free Press (3/1/2010) featured an editorial in favor of repealing Michigan’s law requiring judges to impose the maximum adult sentence to juveniles as young as 14.  The editorial is based on the fact that juveniles are less culpable for their crimes than adults. The article points out that “teenagers are more impulsive and unstable than adults, even without the abuse and neglect many young offenders have experienced.” You can view the editorial here (Repeal Michigan’s juvenile lifer law).

Detroit Free Press Covers Juvenile Mandatory Life Sentences for Murder

The Detroit Free Press published a couple of excellent articles regarding mandatory life sentences for crimes committed by juveniles in Sunday’s (2/28/2010) paper.  One article addresses whether children who commit murders should be subjected to mandatory life sentences.  You can find the article here (2nd chance for killer kids?).  The Free Press also wrote an excellent summary regarding how these laws came into being, the various public policies behind them and events that prompted them.  You can find that article here ( State got tough on juvenile trouble-makers in ’80s, ’90s ).

Neglect at Disneyworld

Apparently, even the “happiest place on earth” is not immune from child neglect. Yesterday’s Detroit Free Press reported this story:

Couple facing child neglect charges

A Holly couple was arrested Friday, accused of child neglect in Florida after police say they left two young foster children in a hotel room while they went to the pool.

According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Kimberly and Stephen Simmons left the children, ages 2 and 4, unattended at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort for more than two hours. They returned after being asked to do so by resort staff. A housekeeper found the children uninjured.  Kimberly Simmons, a school counselor in Michigan, told police she had taken a six-year old nephew swimming and was “aware the two children were alone in her hotel room.”  The couple didn’t seem to be concerned about leaving the children alone and said they had done it before.

Carrie Hoeppner, spokeswoman for Florida’s Department of Children and Families, said protective services officials from Michigan picked up the children Monday.

Kimberly Simmons, 41, and Stephen Simmons, 49, each posted $2,000 bond and were released from jail, said Allen Moore, a spokesman for the Orange County Corrections Department. The couple has not yet been arraigned on charges.