THROWING AWAY THE KEY ON SOCIETY'S YOUNGEST SEX OFFENDERS.

The article focuses on the impact of sexually violent person commitment laws on juvenile sex offenders in the U.S. The violation of the rights of the nation's youngest offenders by a state's criminal, juvenile and mental health laws is demonstrated by Illinois. Juveniles charged with sexual assault do not receive jury trials which in turn violates their rights to due process. The protection of a jury trial is needed by juvenile offenders as they face severe consequences when charged with violent sexual offenses.