re: 14 y/o, tried as adult and got life in prison, exonerated 13 years later

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Yeah I'm sure that 17 y/o gangbanger Jamal had no clue he was murdering someone. Kids will be kids amirite?

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While there isn't much difference between a 17 and a 18 year old, your brain continues to mature into your mid 20's.

No, that doesn't mean that teen agers aren't capable of understanding right from wrong or the seriousness of their actions. However your decision making ability and motivations become much different as you mature.

So yes, punish teens for their actions, but perhaps reevaluate them after they grow up some.