The authors explore the dramatic changes in the law’s conception of young offenders between the end of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twenty-first. They note that in early 19th C Juveniles were tried and punished as adults. Reformers argued for a more rehabilitative model. An upswing in violent crime moved public opinion once again towards the view that youth should be held to the same standard as adults. Lawmakers now appear to be rethinking their views as scientific evidence emerges adolescent development.