CDU Ministers in Germany are pushing for a reevaluation of the over 100-year-old rule that sets the age of criminal liability at 14 years old. They argue that the current age limit, dating back to 1923, is outdated and needs to be reconsidered in light of the increasing youth crime rates. The Baden-Württemberg ministers are calling on the Justice Minister to address this issue at the upcoming conference to be held in Hannover. They believe that a scientific evaluation is necessary to determine the level of maturity of 14-year-olds today.
According to the law, children under 14 years old are not criminally responsible. However, there has been a significant increase in youth crime in recent years, leading to concerns among policymakers. The rise in youth criminal activity has prompted calls for a reevaluation of the age of criminal liability, especially in cases where children are found to be researching the age of criminal responsibility before committing an offense. The ministers argue that if youth are considered mature enough to vote at 16, they should also be held accountable for their actions earlier than 14 years old.
Interior Minister Thomas Strobl expressed worry about the surge in youth crime rates, with a 13.7% increase in the number of suspects under the age of 21, reaching a ten-year high. He highlighted the presence of repeat offenders among young criminal suspects, indicating that a small percentage of young individuals are responsible for a large number of crimes. The statistics also reveal a significant rise in the number of child suspects under 14 years old over the past decade, emphasizing the need for a reevaluation of the current age of criminal liability.
Strobl emphasized the importance of scientifically examining the potential lowering of the age of criminal liability, noting that the age limit of 14 years set in 1923 was not based on conclusive scientific research. He pointed out that societal changes over the past decades may have altered the maturity levels of 14-year-olds today compared to those in the past. Strobl cited examples of other countries with lower age limits for criminal responsibility, highlighting the need to determine at what age individuals become fully aware of the consequences of their actions.
While the CDU is questioning the age of criminal responsibility, the Greens have a different perspective. They believe that an increase in youth offenses should prompt an examination of the underlying factors leading to delinquent behavior. Instead of focusing solely on punishment, they advocate for prevention measures, parental involvement, and strengthening youth support services to steer children and teenagers away from criminal activities. The Greens argue that lowering the age of criminal liability is not the solution and stress the importance of addressing root causes of youth crime through proactive measures.
The debate over the age of criminal responsibility in Germany has sparked discussions among policymakers, with differing viewpoints on the need for a reevaluation of the current age limit. While some argue for a scientific assessment to determine the maturity levels of minors, others emphasize the importance of addressing social factors influencing youth delinquency. The outcome of these deliberations will likely shape future policies and interventions aimed at reducing youth crime rates and promoting a safer environment for young individuals in Germany.
