Broadcast on KSCO AM 1080, KSCO 104.1 FM, KOMY AM 1340, and KSCO.com Live Stream.
It’s A Question Of Balance ® radio show balances the intellectual with the creative, exploring whether we have more in common than divides us through thought-provoking conversations – out and about with people on the street on different topics, and in the studio with inspiring guests from the arts. Balance is not a compromise. Balance is truth distilled from many places creating cohesive understanding.
Topic: Out And About – Conversations on the Street about Questions That Matter: Should Minors Ever Be Tried As Adults?
This week we consider ‘Should Minors Ever Be Tried As Adults?’ Critics of juvenile court argue that the line between juvenile and adult is no longer as clear, that children grow up much quicker these days, and they are more exposed to adult ideas and so they can be responsible for their actions. Barry Krisberg, a University of California, Berkeley criminologist states that there is no way a minor can fully understand what they are doing saying “he might be able to recount the events that resulted, but the notion that he comprehended the consequences of his actions flies in the face of all the science we know.” Scientific research has shown the pre-frontal lobe development is not complete until the early 20s. Teens may have difficulty inhibiting inappropriate behaviors because the circuitry needed for such control is not fully mature. This is something that is frequently put forward as an argument as to why the legal age to consume alcohol should not be lowered. Critics of the juvenile court system state that it is not being successful enough at deterring juvenile crime and this is an argument for a more punitive approach in the criminal courts. Concerns about justice being done for juveniles being tried as adults revolves around whether they can adequately comprehend their Miranda Rights, and the complexities of the legal process, research showing that when tried as an adult juveniles are more likely to waive the right to an attorney and to confess during police interrogations; misunderstand that they have the right to an attorney before and during a police interrogation; and erroneously believe that attorneys only serve innocent defendants. So should minors ever be tried as adults?
What do you think? Ruth Copland gets the views of people on the street for our Out and About feature.
Arts Interview: In-Depth Conversation with Felicia Day
This week as her special guest from the arts Ruth Copland is pleased to be interviewing Felicia Day, award-winning actress, web entertainment entrepreneur, writer, songwriter, producer, and director. Felicia has carved a unique place for herself and her talents both in the traditional entertainment realm and online.
An early adopter of all things internet Felicia has written, produced, directed and starred in many shows in the web video world including The Guild, which was a huge hit running to six series and has won numerous awards for web video excellence. Amongst other web projects, Felicia has co-starred in Joss Whedon’s multi-award-winning Internet musical “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog,” and her production company Knights of Good has produced the innovative web series “Dragon Age” in conjunction with EA/Bioware. In 2012 Felicia launched Geek & Sundry, a funded Youtube channel which aimed to be the epicenter of gaming and lifestyle for pop culture fans with an independent spirit. The channel has many highly acclaimed shows and has garnered over one million subscribers and over 200 million views since its launch. In 2014, the company was sold to Legendary Entertainment. Felicia continues to work as creative chief officer of her company, as well as develop television and web projects for her to write, produce and star in. In addition to acting online, Felicia has appeared as an actor in many beloved roles in film and TV including in Supernatural, Eureka, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, and Red Werewolf Hunter. She was a member of the board of directors of the International Academy of Web Television from 2009-2012. Born in Alabama, Felicia had an unconventional upbringing and schooling and began college at 16 attending the University of Texas at Austin on a full scholarship in violin performance. She double majored in mathematics and music performance, and graduated at the age of 19 in the top 4% of her class. Her life and remarkable career is showcased with humour and insight in her newly published memoir You’re Never Weird On The Internet (Almost).
For more info and to hear previous shows visit feliciadaybook.com
“It’s A Question of Balance ® so rare among radio talk shows, lets its subjects breathe. With her discursive style and pleasingly eccentric range of curiosity, host Ruth Copland each week treats her listeners to two hours of Whole Brain Radio.”
Hampton Sides – Internationally bestselling author, award-winning journalist, and historian
