Questions: Research one female and one juvenile sex offender from information in the media, and other reputable sources. Describe their information, the crimes that they were accused (or convicted) of, and what their punishment (if any) were. Compare and contrast this with male and/or adult offenders both in crime type and consequences. Are females and juveniles held to a different standard? Should they be?

To address this question, I will provide information on one female and one juvenile sex offender, describe their cases, and compare them with male and adult offenders in terms of crime type and consequences. I will also discuss whether females and juveniles are held to different standards and whether they should be.

Information and Crime: Mary Kay Letourneau was a former schoolteacher from Washington State who gained notoriety in the late 1990s. She was convicted of second-degree child rape for her sexual relationship with a 12-year-old student, Vili Fualaau. The relationship began in 1996, and Letourneau was 34 years old at the time.

Punishment: Letourneau was initially sentenced to six months in jail as part of a plea agreement, which included a requirement to avoid contact with Fualaau. However, she violated the terms of her release by continuing the relationship and was subsequently sentenced to seven and a half years in prison. She served her full sentence and was released in 2004.

Information and Crime: Nathaniel Abraham was one of the youngest individuals in the United States to be tried for murder as an adult. At the age of 11, he was charged with the murder of an 18-year-old in Michigan in 1997. Although not a sex offense, his case is often discussed in the context of juvenile offenders due to the severity of the crime and the age at which he was tried.

Punishment: Abraham was convicted of second-degree murder in 1999 and sentenced to juvenile detention until the age of 21. He was released in 2007 but later faced additional legal issues as an adult.

Crime Type and Consequences:

• Crime Type: Female sex offenders, like Letourneau, often involve cases of statutory rape or inappropriate relationships with minors, whereas male offenders are more frequently associated with a broader range of sexual offenses, including violent crimes.
• Consequences: Female offenders may receive lighter sentences compared to male offenders for similar crimes, potentially due to societal perceptions of women as caregivers or less threatening. Juvenile offenders, like Abraham, are often subject to different legal standards, with a focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment.

Are They Held to Different Standards? Yes, females and juveniles are often held to different standards in the criminal justice system. Females may receive more lenient sentences due to gender stereotypes, while juveniles are typically treated with an emphasis on rehabilitation and the potential for reform.

Should They Be? The question of whether they should be held to different standards is complex. On one hand, the developmental differences in juveniles justify a focus on rehabilitation. On the other hand, gender-based disparities in sentencing can undermine the principle of equal justice. It is crucial to balance these considerations to ensure fair and effective legal outcomes.