People v. M.D.

This is the first reported decision I have found in which an Illinois reviewing court has reversed a juvenile court judge’s decision that a minor should not be prosecuted as an adult. In People v. Martin (1977), 67 Ill. 2d 462, this court held that the State may appeal' the denial of its petition to have a minor transferred from the juvenile justice system and tried as an adult. When the case reaches this court, the question is not “Should this juvenile be tried as an adult?” The only issue is whether the trial judge abused his discretion in reaching his decision, irrespective of what that…