In a recent speech on Friday, May 24th in Valence, Prime Minister Gabriel Attal reiterated his previous announcements regarding juvenile justice that were made in April in Viry-Chatillon. The tone remains focused on a more repressive approach, but with a notable difference: the idea of modifying or removing the excuse of minority, which currently allows minors to have their sentences reduced by half compared to adults, seems to be on hold for the time being. While the concept is mandatory for those aged 13 to 16, judges can choose to waive it for those between 16 and 18.
Revisiting the concept of the excuse of minority is a long-standing issue for the right and the far right, and changing it could cause tension among various stakeholders in the juvenile justice system. Attal acknowledged that there is no consensus on the matter and that caution is needed to avoid upsetting everyone at the start of discussions. He emphasized his desire to move forward on the topic, even though he acknowledged the lack of agreement on the issue and its specifics. Attal reiterated that he wants to make progress, while being mindful of the sensitivities surrounding the matter.
During the Friday morning discussion, Attal, alongside Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti and Education Minister Nicole Belloubet, emphasized his intention to implement a form of immediate appearance for minors aged 16 to 18, especially in cases of aggravated violence or recidivism. This reform, aimed at being passed before the end of the year, seeks to complement the Criminal Justice for Minors (CJPM) code that came into effect in 2021. Attal highlighted the positive impact of the CJPM reform in shortening judgment times while also proposing additional tools for magistrates.
Another proposal put forward by the Prime Minister is to place young delinquents in foster homes for short durations to separate them from negative influences and facilitate an assessment of their situation by social services. However, these measures have not been received positively by critics, who view them as merely symbolic gestures. Kim Reuflet, President of the Syndicat de la Magistrature (a left-wing union) and former juvenile judge, believes that the current proposals are superficial and disregarding of the real issues at hand. She argues that what is truly lacking are adequate resources and long-term solutions to address juvenile delinquency effectively.
Despite these ongoing discussions and proposed reforms, there seems to be skepticism and resistance among certain stakeholders in the justice system. Critics argue that more significant changes are needed to address the root causes of juvenile delinquency, including adequate resources and long-term support for at-risk youth. The debate surrounding the excuse of minority is complex and requires careful consideration to ensure that any changes made to the juvenile justice system are effective and equitable. As the discussions continue, it remains to be seen how the government will navigate these challenges and work towards meaningful reforms in juvenile justice.
