Research over the past 20+ years affirms that trying youth in adult court has a detrimental impact on community safety as well as on many 17-year-olds. Current Wisconsin law excludes all 17-year-olds from the juvenile court and the services available through that venue. Even if prosecutors and judges wanted to include a 17-year-old in an appropriate juvenile service or program, they are unable to do so. Researchers have studied how best to promote public safety and meet the needs of 17-year-olds in several different ways.
Act Now to Raise the Age in Wisconsin
Every young person in Wisconsin deserves the opportunity to get an education, grow up in safe communities, and realize their potential. However, due to systemic racism and injustice, youth of color are over-represented within the criminal legal system—from policing to...