Why do we differentiate between juvenile and adult crimes?

[Stinky The Clown]

A 15 year old kid who steals a bike is charged as a juvenile. A 15 year old kid who sells weed is charged as a juvenile, unless he's charged as an adult. A 15 year old kid who assaults another kid is charged as a juvenile, unless he's charged as an adult.

What is the difference? The community? The severity of the crime? A mental/psych test of the kid? The race of the kid? The race of the victim? The neighborhood in which the crime occurs?

How often do we hear that a kid commits a crime and is "charged as an adult?"

Why do we bother to differentiate here in the Land Of The Vengeful? Why not just fry them all? Lock 'em up and toss the key?

Some days I just want to scream.