Mass. Bill Would Put 17-Year-Olds In Juvenile Court

Seventeen-year-olds would fall under the jurisdiction of the state's juvenile courts under a bill approved by the Massachusetts Senate.

Currently in Massachusetts, 17-year-olds accused of a crime are treated as adults, regardless of the circumstances or severity of the offense.

Thirty-nine other states and the federal government use 18 as the age of adult criminal jurisdiction.

The bill doesn't change the law mandating that 17-year-olds accused of murder be tried and sentenced in adult court.

Supporters of the bill say in almost all other legal matters in Massachusetts - including voting, entering into a contract and serving on a jury - 18 is the age of adulthood.

Sen. Karen Spilka, an Ashland Democrat, said the bill recognizes 17-year-olds are still children and lack adult maturity.

The measure now heads to the Massachusetts House.