New Sentencing Law Could Harm Memphis Youth and Exacerbate Injustice Concerns

New Sentencing Law Poses Risks for Memphis Youth

In a pivotal shift that could affect countless young lives, a new sentencing law is set to take effect in Memphis come January 2024. This law, known as blended sentencing, is stirring up significant debate and concern among community leaders and youth advocates. Many argue that it places an unfair burden on children within the juvenile justice system, especially those as young as 14 years old.

The Impact of Blended Sentencing

Under this new law, young offenders will be required to serve their juvenile sentences until they reach 19 years of age. But that’s not all—on top of their juvenile sentences, they could also face up to four years of adult punishment. While the adult sentence starts off on hold, it can spring into action if certain conditions aren’t met, such as breaking curfew or failing to graduate from high school. This essentially means that kids could find themselves in adult facilities without even committing another crime, causing great concern among advocates.

Community Concerns

Ala’a Alattiyat, who coordinates the Youth Justice Action Council in Memphis, argues that this new law doesn’t really make anyone safer. In fact, it might only deepen the cycles of the criminal justice system. “This is extremely harmful for youth in Memphis,” Alattiyat said. She believes that this law does little more than perpetuate existing problems rather than provide a solution.

Critics also warn that blended sentencing might disproportionately target Black youth. As Memphis is predominantly a Black city, many believe these laws are skewed and unfair. Alattiyat emphasized that this type of legislation typically imperils marginalized youth more than their counterparts.

Lawmakers’ Justifications

Supporters of the law, including a number of Memphis-area lawmakers, argue that the uptick in youth crime necessitates a stronger approach. They claim that youths, particularly adolescents aged 14 to 17, are responsible for a significant portion of violent crimes in the area. However, data from the Memphis-Shelby County Juvenile Court indicates that most crime is committed by adults, not juveniles.

Representative Mark White expressed his belief that the traditional juvenile justice system isn’t effective anymore. “Juvenile laws used to protect kids, but now they’re enabling crime,” he asserted. White’s views reflect a growing sentiment among some lawmakers who feel that the state needs to be tougher on young offenders.

Statistics Paint a Different Picture

Despite claims of rising youth crime, the statistics tell a different story. Data shows that juvenile crime rates in Memphis have generally been on the decline since at least 2011. While there was a slight uptick in juvenile crime in 2022, it normalized back to 2021 levels by 2023. Such statistics challenge the narrative that harsher laws are required to manage the situation.

Potential Effects on Rehabilitation

One of the most worrying aspects voiced by critics of blended sentencing is its potential impact on rehabilitation. In the past, juvenile courts have been tasked with helping young offenders change their paths before they enter adulthood. Now, it seems like the focus may be shifting toward punishment rather than rehabilitation.

Judge Aftan Strong, a chief magistrate at the Memphis-Shelby County Juvenile Court, argues for maintaining longer jurisdictions for serious offenders to allow proper rehabilitation. But under blended sentencing, that option seems at risk. It appears lawmakers are trading rehabilitation for a system focused on “discipline, correction, and punishment” instead.

What Comes Next?

The introduction of the blended sentencing law has certainly raised many eyebrows, and the path forward for the youth of Memphis remains uncertain. As lawmakers push for stricter measures, community leaders and advocates are rallying for discussions on more effective and compassionate approaches to youth justice.

Ultimately, the hope is that Memphis can find a balance that serves the best interests of its youth, while simultaneously addressing community safety concerns without resorting to harmful policies. Whether blended sentencing will be effective in achieving such a balance remains to be seen.