Malvo Sentencing

[2kitties]

Dear PT DogHousers,
Let's be careful with this one because we all know it can be a hot topic.

I don't know what I think about Malvo's punishment. I am for the death penalty in many cases, but I'm troubled that he was only 17 when the crimes were committied.
He was clearly influenced by an adult, but at the same time, 17 is not 12.
So I thought I'd post here since we have members in his age group. My first impression is that 17 is old enough to know that murder is WRONG. A 17 year old should at least be mature enough to know he can't go around shooting people. He is old enough to accept the consequences of his actions.
Then I think about other actions of 17 year olds. I certainly don't think 17 year olds are mature enough to be parents, for instance.

To the 17 year olds on PT, do you believe you are old enough to know that murder is wrong and to understand that your actions could have very very harsh consequences, should you chooose to take a life?

So, should a 17 year old be executed- regardless of the heinousness of his crimes?

Then I think about all the school violence in our country. There must be some way to communicate to teens that there are punishments for violent actions.

And, does the jury really have a choice? In VA, 16 & 17 year olds are eligible for execution. If the crimes fit into the necessary standards, are they obligated to return a death sentence?

Confused, 2K.