Raise the age of the juvenile court jurisdiction to improve public safety.

Texas currently prosecutes 17-year-old offenders in the adult criminal court and houses them in adult correctional facilities—despite evidence showing the juvenile system is the most effective venue to punish youthful offenders. Texas should raise the age of the juvenile court jurisdiction in Texas from 17 to 18 to reduce re-offending by placing youth in the most appropriate setting.

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Commentary


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