Lawmakers in Juneau are considering a proposal that could give a break to juveniles convicted as adults of crimes. Currently, offenders who are 16 or 17 and convicted as adults serve in the prison's adult population unless the prosecutor intervenes. Sen. Fred Dyson wants to keep younger offenders out of the adult population unless their cases involved a horrific crime. The Eagle River Republican is seeking to have a judge review the cases and determine placement. This is one of the proposed amendments to a sprawling crime bill under consideration by the Senate Judiciary Committee. The committee plans to take up possible amendments on Wednesday. Dyson says juveniles who commit violent acts should not receive any special considerations, but adds that retribution is contrary to the nation's justice system.
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