A persistent controversy in criminal justice involves determining the age at which a juvenile should be held accountable for his or her actions. With this context in mind, respond to the following questions:
What factors influence an adolescent’s maturity and ethical development? Explain and provide appropriate reasoning for your answer.
Should there be an across-the-board age limit that defines the border between the juvenile and adult criminal justice systems? Or should it vary on a case-by-case basis? Explain your reasoning.