A 14-Year-Old Was Found Guilty of Beating and Raping a 73-Year-Old

question 4

Multiple Choice

A 14-year-old was found guilty of beating and raping a 73-year-old neighbor. The prosecutor had successfully argued for the child to be tried as an adult. The jury is considering a long adult prison term. Which of the following would the nurse most likely suggest when called on as an expert witness?

• A) The child must be mentally ill to have done such a thing and should be in a mental hospital.
• B) The child should be in a juvenile facility to avoid the high risk of sexual assaults, beatings, and suicide in adult prison.
• C) The child should be given a long adult prison sentence to protect society from such a predator.
• D) The child must be given an opportunity to complete high school while incarcerated in the adult prison.

---

Definitions:

Population

The total number of people or organisms inhabiting a particular area or space.

United States

A country located in North America, comprising 50 states, a federal district, five major self-governing territories, and various possessions.

Involuntarily Committed

This refers to a legal process through which individuals with severe mental health issues are hospitalized or treated without their consent due to potential harm to themselves or others.

Mental Hospital

A healthcare facility specializing in the treatment and care of patients with mental illnesses.