Can kids go to prison? A legal expert explains how young people can be tried and sentenced as adults

There’s a separate justice system for people under 18 because their brains are still developing. Treating them as adults can turn them into repeat offenders.

By: Jay Blitzman, Northeastern University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: June 8, 2026

Words: 1,263

Last Updated: 1 month, 2 weeks ago

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By Jay Blitzman, Northeastern University

Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, send it to CuriousKidsUS@theconversation.com.

Can kids go to prison? – Artie, age 10, New York City

The United States has a special justice system for people under age 18. But youth can be tried in adult courts and go to adult jails and prisons for …

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