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23/10/2012
Calls For Criminal Age To Rise
Justice Minister David Ford has told the Assembly he believes the age of criminal responsibility in Northern Ireland should be raised from 10 to 12.
Mr Ford said: "Personally, I agree with the overwhelming majority of those who responded to the public consultation that 10 is just too young to be dealt with by the weight of a criminal justice system."
But the proposed change would require a majority agreement in the Executive if it was to be implemented.
The Minister admitted he does not have cross-party support on the issue.
If the move was passed, the age limit could still remain at 10 for the most serious crimes.
"Medical research on brain development around understanding consequences and social policy research on the negative impact of criminalising young children tells us that we should seek non-criminal justice interventions for the very small number of children in this age group who offend," he said.
Mr Ford was responding to a recent review of the youth justice system, which recommended the changes.
He added: "We should try to take a rational decision rather than one swayed by prejudice or the very rare event which occurs in other jurisdictions and which there has been nothing comparable here - as far as my officials can trace in Northern Ireland, ever."
The age of criminal responsibility was raised from 10 to 12 in the Republic six years ago, except in extreme cases.
In Scotland, the age is 12 with consideration being given to an increase, however in England and Wales the minimum age remains at 10.
(IT)
Mr Ford said: "Personally, I agree with the overwhelming majority of those who responded to the public consultation that 10 is just too young to be dealt with by the weight of a criminal justice system."
But the proposed change would require a majority agreement in the Executive if it was to be implemented.
The Minister admitted he does not have cross-party support on the issue.
If the move was passed, the age limit could still remain at 10 for the most serious crimes.
"Medical research on brain development around understanding consequences and social policy research on the negative impact of criminalising young children tells us that we should seek non-criminal justice interventions for the very small number of children in this age group who offend," he said.
Mr Ford was responding to a recent review of the youth justice system, which recommended the changes.
He added: "We should try to take a rational decision rather than one swayed by prejudice or the very rare event which occurs in other jurisdictions and which there has been nothing comparable here - as far as my officials can trace in Northern Ireland, ever."
The age of criminal responsibility was raised from 10 to 12 in the Republic six years ago, except in extreme cases.
In Scotland, the age is 12 with consideration being given to an increase, however in England and Wales the minimum age remains at 10.
(IT)
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