Lecture Notes: The Case of Willie Boset and Juvenile Justice Reform

Background Information

• Willie Boset: A 15-year-old boy involved in a series of violent crimes in New York City.
• Background: Had been in and out of court since age 9. His father was in prison, and his mother was mostly absent.
• Family History: Ancestry traced back to Edgefield County, South Carolina, known for its history of violence. His ancestors were slaves, and his family history included violence and crime.

Key Events

• Subway Murders: Willie committed several robberies and murders on the subway.
  • Murdered a sleeping passenger and shot others in various encounters.
• Capture and Trial: Willie was eventually caught and tried in family court.

Family and Personal Life

• Family Influence: Learned behaviors and attitudes towards violence from his family.
  • Father, known as Butch, was a violent criminal who later pursued education in prison.
• Willie's Upbringing: Lived a life of neglect and violence, leading to a criminal lifestyle.

Legal and Social Implications

• Juvenile Justice Reform: Willie's case highlighted flaws in the juvenile justice system.
  • Led to New York passing the Juvenile Justice Reform Act, allowing juveniles to be tried as adults for violent crimes.
  • Known as "The Willie Boset Law."

Willie's Life in Prison

• Behavior in Prison: Continued violent behavior and received multiple life sentences.
  • Became notorious as the most dangerous criminal in the New York system.
• Impact on the System: His case influenced changes in how juvenile offenders are treated.

Broader Implications

• Rising Juvenile Crime Rates: Despite a decrease in adult murder rates, juvenile violent crimes have increased.
  • Other states followed New York's lead in trying juveniles as adults.

Conclusion

• Legacy: Willie Boset's case served as a catalyst for significant changes in juvenile justice but also marked the ongoing challenges of addressing juvenile delinquency.