Frontline Season 19 Episode 8 Juvenile Justice

In the eighth episode of season 19 of Frontline, titled "Juvenile Justice," the show delves into the controversial topic of how teenagers are prosecuted and punished in the United States criminal justice system. The episode focuses on the story of a 16-year-old boy named Aiken, who was charged with armed robbery and sentenced to 11 years in prison.

Through interviews with Aiken's family, lawyers, and judges involved in the case, as well as experts in juvenile justice reform, the episode explores the flaws in the system that can lead to over-incarceration of young offenders and the long-term consequences of such punishment.

The episode raises questions about the effectiveness of the traditional approach of treating juvenile offenders as adults and the impact of such policies on individuals, families, and communities. It also highlights the alternatives to incarceration such as restorative justice, community-based programs, and diversionary measures, which have shown promising results in reducing recidivism rates and rehabilitating young offenders.

By examining the case of Aiken and other similar cases, "Juvenile Justice" exposes the complexities of the juvenile justice system and calls for a more compassionate and effective approach to justice for young people who have made mistakes. The episode emphasizes the need for policy reform and public education to promote understanding and awareness of the issues facing juvenile offenders and the best practices to address them.

Overall, "Juvenile Justice" is a thought-provoking and informative episode of Frontline that sheds light on the challenges and opportunities in the juvenile justice system, while advocating for a more just and humane approach to juvenile justice in the United States.