YOUTH GUN VIOLENCE...STOPPPP

YOUTH GUN VIOLENCE IN OUR STREETS


Do you think 2-5 years behind bars is fair for a murderer is fair? Do you think justice is being served? This is the maximum penalty for Toronto’s teens who are offenders of gun violence; because they are under the age of 18 they are charged as youths regardless of the crime. I think it’s safe to say that no justice is not being served, and it definitely isn’t fair. That’s why Toronto, as a community needs to work together and help stop youth gun violence.

The government has tried everything from opening community centers to enforcing more law around these areas, but the thing that really needs to be fixed and worked on is the YCJA (Youth Criminal Justice Act). This is all part of the reason why the youth gun violence rate is so high. Nothing happens to these offenders and they are definitely not being penalized for the seriousness of there actions. We are allowing teens to kill and get away with it, and they know this. A murderer is a murderer, regardless of there age. If you are old enough to pick up a gun and point it at someone, knowing you could possibly take a life, you are old enough to suffer your consequences.

The government can’t do this alone, If we work together as a community, as a family, we can make sure these teens are penalized for there crimes and justice can finally be served. Think about the families who have lost a loved one to a teenager’s immaturity, and how today that teen is walking freely. Let’s give those families that closure. Together we can make a difference.

Ashley