Question

Sealing of Juvenile Records in California
A youngster adjudicated in juvenile court who has reached age 18 or has been off probation for at least 5 years can request that his or her records be sealed. The petitioner must show the court that he or she has not subsequently been convicted of a felony or
misdemeanor involving moral turpitude and has been rehabilitated. Law enforcement may have still have access to the records if, for example, it is necessary to show that the person has a prior conviction for the purposes of such statutes as the “three-strikes” law.

Read the section Sealing of Juvenile Records in California and answer the following questions: Do you agree with the accessibility of sealed juvenile records to be used for the purposes of the three-strikes law? Why or why not? Weigh the pros and cons of this action.

Answer 1

People can file a petition to seal their juvenile records. This enables them to have a fresh start. This makes the records, as if they never existed. However, the records are still accessible to court officials, prosecutors, court officials and other individuals under certain conditions. These can be accessed for the purpose of three-strikes law as well. This law is available in certain States only. This law says that, a person with three or more serious criminal offenses, be given mandatory life sentence.

Yes, I agree with the accessibility of sealed juvenile records for the purpose of three-strike law. This is because, it is the requirement of the law and records are not fully sealed, they can be accessed by the mentioned people. Moreover, the law is for severe crimes only. Less serious crimes, will not be accounted. If the sealed records are not accessed, then the count for three-strike laws will be incorrect. This will act as a loophole for criminals, by sealing their records and making it inaccessible and thereby creating new count. When available for access, it will act as check and prevent people from committing serious crimes, for fear of life sentence.