Legal News
Northern Ireland May Raise Age of Criminal Responsibility (27 September 2011)
Date: 27/09/2011
A review of the youth justice system in Northern Ireland is to recommend that the age of criminal responsibility be raised to 12. In the Irish Republic, no child under 12 years of age can be charged with a criminal offence. However, there are exceptions for 10 and 11-year-olds suspected of committing very serious criminal offences. While the age of responsibility is the same as that of England and Wales, it is not the same as the majority of Europe.
The review into Northern Ireland’s youth justice system was the result of the Hillsborough power sharing agreement. The three-strong review team is understood to be recommending increasing the age at which children in Northern Ireland can be brought before the courts of law to 12. The proposal will be put forth for public consultation. Before the age of criminal responsibility is increased, the amendment to the current law must receive cross-community assembly support. This could prove to be a challenge. Back in 2008, when the Bill of Rights forum suggested that the age of criminal responsibility be increased to 16, the idea caused considerable backlash.
Duncan Lewis’ crime department is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The team of knowledgeable criminal solicitors are able to represents clients on a range of criminal law issues. Whether at a police station or in the courts of law, the crime department is always on hand to advice people of their rights and represent clients at any stage of a criminal investigation.