Letter: The death of James Bulger; imprisonment of young offenders; causes of criminality
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: Your cogent analysis of the policy choices regarding persistent young offenders (leading article, 17 February) reminded me of the words of Scott Matheson, a former governor of the state of Utah. I asked him why, as one-time prosecutor, he had in 1983 closed the state's 'Youth Development Center' and converted the buildings into a community college. He replied that he used to see such places as part of the answer to youth crime. He had come to see them as being part of the crime problem.
Yours sincerely,
ANDREW RUTHERFORD
Chairman
The Howard League
London, N1
17 February
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments