In many inner city areas, young people are forced to engage in violence because of the
circumstances under which they find themselves. Many live in very violent communities
without the possibility of leaving most of their lives, are faced with crowded schools with
few caring adults, have very little hope for good employment, have parents that are addicted
to drugs, are responsible for emotionally and financially taking care of younger siblings and
have to face a brutal police force that is sometimes motivated by bias.

1. Should we as a society blame a child who grows up in such an environment for criminal acts?

2. What role should society play in making sure that crime is prevented at an earlier age?