Equality is a right that virtually every ethnic, social, and interest group has sought after.  Adults, as well as teenagers, strive to be accepted by the people they admire.  Along with the title of being mature, however, come added responsibilities.  Teens must be able to handle themselves in a variety of situations and take responsibility for their actions. People twelve and older who commit crimes should be held accountable for their actions.

On the other hand, critics argue that a twelve-year-old is not old enough to understand his own actions.  At this age, he is still learning what is socially and morally acceptable.  This may be the case for some children this age; however, many already have a large basis of right and wrong.  For example, a twelve-year-old boy in Chicago, IL, was watching his cousin play a dice game on the sidewalk with some friends.  The game became unruly, and the two men involved in the game began to wrestle.  The twelve-year-old felt that he needed to defend his cousin, and shot the other man to death.  While this boy may still be learning, he knew enough not to shoot someone over a mere game.

Additionally, holding teenagers accountable for their actions will encourage them to behave correctly.  It is comparable to when an adult threatens his toddler with a spanking.  Normally, just the thought of being punished in a physical way convinces the child to change his original idea of acting out and he becomes apologetic.   Adolescents are no different, fearing the possibility of serving time in either a juvenile correctional facility or a prison if the crime is severe enough.  The minds of these wrongdoers are swayed by the mere thought of a penalty.

Furthermore, holding adolescents responsible for their actions prepares them for adulthood.  When a teen expects to be treated as a mature young adult, he must act this way.  In order to obtain this respect from his parents, however, he must in return receive more responsibilities.  These could include more chores, homework, and a part-time job.   As an adult, no one will take the blame for his actions, so when he learns at a young age that consequences exist, it will be less of a shock to him.  

Minors twelve and older should be held accountable for their crimes.  Many adolescents hope to be treated like an adult.  Adults, however, are responsible for themselves and their own actions.  These responsibilities are a consequence of wanting to be more mature and well respected.  All people, regardless of race, gender, religion, or social status, strive for respect.