Gabriel Attal has stated that he hopes to introduce a bill before the end of the year that would allow for a form of immediate appearance before a court for minors aged 16 and older. This initiative is part of a series of measures aimed at addressing the issue of juvenile delinquency, which was announced by the Prime Minister on April 19. The government has been engaged in consultations on the topic, with a progress report being conducted in Valence on Friday. The proposed measure, which has been criticized by judicial unions, would allow for a quick resolution of cases involving aggravated violence and recidivism among minors.
Despite the intention to implement the immediate appearance measure, the government is careful to ensure that it respects the constitutional principles of juvenile justice. The aim is to streamline the judicial process and improve the efficacy of educational interventions with young offenders while maintaining respect for the rights of minors. The government is also considering revisions to the current system of mitigating factors for juvenile offenders, who often receive lighter sentences compared to adults. These changes are being pursued with the goal of enhancing the effectiveness of the juvenile justice system.
The proposal to introduce immediate appearances and reconsider the mitigation of sentences for juvenile offenders has been met with resistance from the Union Syndicale des Magistrats, a prominent judicial union. The union argues that the real issue in juvenile justice is the lack of adequate resources to support effective interventions. However, the government is determined to address these challenges and is committed to providing additional tools and support to magistrates working in the juvenile justice system.
In addition to the proposed legal reforms, Gabriel Attal has emphasized the importance of parental responsibility in addressing juvenile delinquency. He has suggested that parents who are deemed to be failing in their duties could face additional penalties, such as community service. The government also plans to expand programs that support parental involvement and provide parenting education, with the goal of increasing the number of parents participating in these initiatives from 4% to 30% by 2027.
The overall objective of these initiatives is to address the root causes of juvenile delinquency and improve the outcomes for young offenders. By strengthening the legal framework, enhancing parental support programs, and ensuring that minors are held accountable for their actions, the government aims to create a more effective and fair juvenile justice system. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to promote social cohesion and reduce crime among youth in France.
