LEGISLATED RACISM

Gov. Mel Carnahan this week signed into law the state's first overhaul of the juvenile code since the 1950s. The measure contains many laudable features. The age at which a juvenile can be certified to stand trial as an adult is lowered to 12, and such certification may occur at any age for the so-called seven deadly sins: first- and second-degree murder, first-degree assault, forcible rape, forcible sodomy, first-degree robbery and distribution of drugs. Juvenile records will be subject to a greater degree of public disclosure, and this is, regrettably, a necessary change.

Sadly, though, the bill contains one huge flaw that is a giant backward step for justice in Missouri: In considering whether to certify a juvenile to stand trial as an adult, judges are directed to consider the racial composition of juveniles so certified within that circuit. Aside from being terrible policy on its face, this will fuel still more appeals and further clog the courts with consideration of these issues.

Missouri courts shouldn't be in the business of official, state-sponsored racism. It is hugely ironic that Gov. Carnahan signed this measure on the very day that the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision that began moving the country back toward color-blindness in affirmative action policy. Lawmakers next year should work for repeal of this portion of the juvenile crime code.