Bill Allows 12- And 13-Year-Olds To Go To Adult Court For Attempted Murder

Brandon Smith

Article origination IPBS-RJC

The Indiana Senate approved legislation Monday that allows 12- and 13-year-olds accused of attempted murder to be tried in adult court.

People that age accused of murder can already be moved to adult court – and Sen. Erin Houchin (R-Salem) says it makes sense to do the same for those tried for attempted murder.

“It shouldn’t be that just because the victim doesn’t die that that perpetrator can’t be held to account and justice served for those victims,” Houchin says.

The measure comes out of a school shooting in Noblesville, Indiana, last year, where the 13-year-old shooter had to be tried as a juvenile.

Sen. Greg Taylor (D-Indianapolis) says the bill is “vindictive justice.”

“It doesn’t justify us making a public policy decision for one circumstance,” Taylor says.

The legislation heads back to the House.

Tags:2019 legislative session criminal justice

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