Will the Age for Juvenile Offenders Be Lowered? A Comprehensive Overview of the Debate Over Lowering the Age Threshold and Current Standards
With the recent rise in violent crimes committed by juveniles, the debate over ‘lowering the age of criminal responsibility’ is back in the spotlight. Currently, juveniles subject to juvenile protection measures are those aged 10 or older but under 14; while they are not subject to criminal punishment, they are subject to protective measures. Following the President’s remarks in 2026, a plan to lower the age threshold by 1 to 2 years—limited to certain violent crimes—is under discussion.