Age of criminal responsibility Flashcards
Current age of criminal responsibility
under 10 - cannot be held responsible for committing a crime - believe they do not know the difference between right and wrong.
10-14 - presumed do not understand the consequences of their actions - up to the prosecution or police to prove they knew what they were doing was wrong (as well as the elements of the crime).
From age 15 and up, young people can be punished - sanctions ( youth detention, probation,), and court might be different to adults.
changes in the law
making 12 somth
Reasons to and not change age
Reasons not to change the age:
Concerns about accountability for serious offenses.
Maintains consistency with other jurisdictions in Australia.
Reasons to change age:
Enhance rehabilitation efforts,
focusing on education and support.
Reduce the risk of long-term harm from early involvement in the criminal justice system.
Promote fairness by considering children’s limited understanding and decision-making capabilities.
