the difference between 17 and 18

[tw]

[quote=russotto]

Originally Posted by lookout123

... I heard a story about three locally infamous teenagers who lured a fourth to an isolated spot, then beat him to death and robbed his corpse and celebrated. And they did it for the thrill. I suspect KYW (local news station) was doing a little editorializing by their story placement, as my immediate reaction was "and THAT is why we need the death penalty for minors".

If capital punishment is to deter crime, well the difference between capital punishment verses jail must be understood by the perpetrator. Kids get shot and are complete surprised that it hurts. Why then would fear of the death penalty be any deterrent? If they don't even understand people actually die - or suffer pain - when shot; then how is capital punishment suppose to be any more effective than jail?

Yes, differences of brains between teenagers and adults is that significant.