Candidates for governor in Georgia favor tough laws for kids who commit adult crimes, and oppose some proposed changes in the juvenile code. According to the Florida Times-Union in Jacksonville, both Roy Barnes and Nathan Deal are against extending juvenile status to 17-year olds, who are currently tried as adults in Georgia. While the issue of raising the age of juvenile court jurisdiction came up for discussion at a Senate hearing several weeks ago, it's important to note that SB292 does not contain any such language.
The candidates also share the position that juries should be allowed to impose the death penalty without a unanimous decision. Both men have worked as prosecuting attorneys, and Deal is a former juvenile court judge.