The James Bulger case - Did the culprits get what they deserved?

A couple of years ago? The murder of James Bulger took place in 1993. The two boys rec'd a ten year sentence which was changed due to a petition from the public to 15 years. They were released after serving 8 years and an injunction to suppress their details was still in force when they were released and their identities changed: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_James_Bulger While I think their crime was extremely violent, they were only 10 years old and I fail to see any good coming from a prison term. They would learn some really bad things by going to prison. I think a psychologist should have been brought in to determine the reasons for the actions of these children. I don't know what alternatives there are to prison in circumstances such as these....and I don't know what sort of prison it was. It was surely not a prison where adults are sent. For me to have any sort of proper opinion, I would need to know full details.

Hi ronald, I think that rehabilitation has to be the answer for someone so young. Locking them away at such a young age, and without a chance to reform would not be justice. On the other hand, I hope that there will be a close follow up to see how they adjust back into society. Blessings.

I remember that case and I felt that the two young murderers needed a tougher sentence, maybe all their teenage years behind prison. A ten year old is old enough to know that murder is wrong. It is not as though they were on a spree, stealing a car, and then running over someone, or throwing rocks, or doing something at the spur of the moment without thinking. This was a deliberate act. And they should not have been set free. The society has two psychopaths on their hands with a new identity. They only way for them to be rehabilitated is for society to know that they are, and giving them a new name is no way. They have to prove it to society. They would be less likely to try to kill another innocent if people know who they are and that they are being watched.

Did the parents of those two boys get any type of punishment? They certainly deserve something, sterilization at the least! I'm not sure those two are rehabilitated, but they should be first on the list if any murders occur--oh, I forgot, their identities are protected! Geez, what's the world coming to when we let depraved murderers and their parents go practically scot free?!

ronaldiny they spent quite a long time in prison but they should not have been spared the scrutiny of parents all over. if they flub up now in their twenties they should not get a slap on the wrist. this doesnt do much for the poor bulger family , to lose a child in any way is so hard but murder thats the ultimate, how could kids of ten possibley think to do such a horrible thing, this makes me so cold inside. I think thesekids should have been made to come back home and face what they did, if they survive they will be better for it,if not then they dont. I have no sympathy for that kind of killing.

These boys were 10 years old when they committed this crime they were sentenced to her majesty's pleasure which in England is equivalent to our life in prison.Human rights got involved and claimed they didn't receive a proper trial in part because they were put on raised platforms in the court room .I am not saying I agree with the human right at all because I do not.How ever I do not feel that keeping them in prison would bring James back and so it is more a matter of is it possible that they could be functioning members of society after staying in jail for 8 years.It is my understanding that they received counseling while in prison,and perhaps were being taught better things then what they were learning in their own dysfunctional homes,I think we can only hope that they will not re offend but they are being watched,they are on lifelong parole any offense can send them right back to prison. Jas

I remember this case when it happened. I was APPALLED when the killers recently got out. I don't buy the whole "they were too young to appreciate their actions." Bull. They knew exactly what they were doing. They lured that poor child away so they could kill him where no one could see. They knew what they were doing was wrong and they didn't care. Fine, the justice system did not allow minors to be jailed beyond a certain age. But, new identities? No. They should have to live with their original names so society knows who to shun and revile for the rest of their lives. They killed a beautiful 2 year old for no other reason than they wanted to. Their debt to society will never be repaid.

I remember this case well. It shocked the world. Whether these boys have been rehilibated, only time will tell. Even they were only ten, the crime was horrific. I pray neither will find themselves in trouble again, but I'm not sure.

i think they should have been tried as adults & got maximum punishment.

Hi ronaldinu, Yes I remember the case, I think theose two boys who are men now should not have been let out at all, they should serve their sentce till they are 70 and would be no dange to anyone else then. Tamara

Hello ronaldinu I think you know my opinion on this but for the sake of other mylotters I shall give it to you in this discussion. I don't think they were given a fair sentence and somehow it should have been tougher though at the age of 10 I think it was difficult to give a tougher sentence. I think they have an easy life now and that this is what should have not been given to them so easily even though they would have been linched. Yes give them a new identity but let them find their own jobs, houses and life. We all have to struggle to get the life we want why should they have it given to them on a plate for doing something so terribley wrong and show very little or no remorse. The Bulger's life with never be the same because of them. By the way, it was more like 12 years ago it happened not just a couple but time sure does fly doesn't it!!

Normally it is so easy to jump on the bandwagon and say hang them hang them But i donot know them ,have no idea about their families and would have to meet face to face to come to a decision I am not Dr Phil so i guess i have no idea whether they were rehabilitated back into society so i guess it is safe to say i am on the fence Good Luck