Associated Press
ALBANY, N.Y. — More than 200 members of the clergy from around New York state are writing to urge Gov. Andrew Cuomo and state lawmakers to raise the age of criminal responsibility so fewer juvenile offenders end up in adult prisons.
The religious leaders say they have written to the Democratic governor and legislative leaders in support of legislation backed by Cuomo that would send most 16- and 17-year-old offenders to juvenile facilities.
New York and North Carolina are the only states that prosecute 16- and 17-year-olds as adults.
Critics say juvenile offenders have better outcomes when they’re placed in age-appropriate facilities with the right support programs.
The clergy plan to hold an event Monday at the Capitol to highlight the proposal, which they call a “moral imperative.”
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