Today, Gerry Carroll submitted an amendment to the Justice Bill, calling for the minimum age of criminal responsibility to be increased from 10 to 16, with no exceptions.
“Raising the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 16 is long overdue. This is also in line with both developmental science and international human rights standards.”
“Unnecessary criminalisation at such a young age stifles the future opportunities and outcomes of children, pushing many who are already vulnerable into the youth justice system and custody.”
“Prison is a failed institution, characterised by harm, violence and hopelessness. It is no place for children, many of whom have already had the worst start in life. Rather than criminalisation and imprisonment, a fair and decent society must invest in welfare and restorative justice, giving every child the support they need to fulfil their potential.”