Justice Minister says: “When it comes to juvenile criminal law, I am clearly against further lowering the age of criminal responsibility from the age of 14.” | EUROtoday

In the controversy about excessive violence amongst kids and younger folks, Federal Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig (SPD) spoke out towards earlier onset of felony accountability. Referring to a case in Dormagen wherein a 12-year-old allegedly stabbed a 14-year-old, Hubig advised the “Rheinische Post”: “It’s terrible and shocking what happened there. But criminal law is not a panacea.”

“We must not succumb to the illusion that potential perpetrators can be deterred by stricter punishments and then everything will be fine,” Hubig continued. “And when it comes to juvenile criminal law, I am clearly against lowering the age of criminal responsibility even further from the age of 14.”

“Children do not belong in prison or in criminal court,” the Justice Minister continued. “Of course, the legal system has to react when a child – and we’re talking about people under the age of 14 – commits a serious crime. But then, first and foremost, youth welfare and family courts are called upon.”

It must be about supporting and educating the kid “in order to steer them on the right path,” mentioned Hubig. “It has no place in prison.”

“Age restriction” on social media “not a taboo”

At the identical time, the SPD politician renewed her name for authorized restrictions on using social media by kids and younger folks. “We have to find ways to better protect children and young people from the harmful consequences of social media,” she advised the “Rheinische Post”. “And soon. Age restrictions for social media shouldn’t be taboo either.”

Hubig advocated a “coherent overall package for better protection of children and young people – i.e. age restrictions as one of several measures.”