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Article: Retool juvenile justice
- Article from:
- Chicago Sun-Times
- Article date:
- August 2, 1999
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright 1999 Chicago Sun-Times. (Hide copyright information)
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The Illinois General Assembly passed sweeping juvenile crime
legislation last year that, among other things, authorized judges to
impose juvenile and adult sentences simultaneously against teen
offenders. At the time, Cook County State's Attorney Richard Devine
said the bill was a strong step toward curbing juvenile crime. Some
Chicago lawmakers argued that the $30 million measure fell short
because although the law cracked down on juvenile offenders, there
was not enough money for prevention.
Now a commission set up by Devine recommends that a civil
prosecution process, replacing criminal proceedings, be created for
offenders under 10 and be an option for children 10-12. The option
would ...