Social Democrats Propose Lowering Age of Criminal Responsibility to 14
The Social Democrats propose lowering the age of criminal responsibility to 14 amidst rising youth crime.
Key Points
- • Socialdemokraterna proposes to lower age of criminal responsibility to 14 for serious crimes.
- • Concerns raised about potential exploitation by criminal networks and effectiveness of the proposal.
- • Party plans to introduce preventive measures alongside the proposal.
- • Significant criticism received from law enforcement and judiciary bodies.
The Swedish Social Democratic Party (Socialdemokraterna) has proposed a temporary reduction of the age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 14 years for serious crimes, a decision arising from ongoing concerns about rising youth crime in the country. During their congress held in Gothenburg, Teresa Carvalho, the party's spokesperson for legal matters, emphasized the need for new strategies to combat what she described as a "horrible development" in youth crime. Despite this significant shift, the party maintains a stance against general reductions in the age of criminal responsibility.
The proposal targets serious offenses, with Carvalho asserting that holding 14-year-olds accountable for their actions is morally warranted. An investigation indicated that lowering the age could apply to crimes carrying minimum sentences of four years, and the government is currently weighing this recommendation. However, the plan has ignited considerable opposition from various sectors, including law enforcement and judiciary representatives, who warn that such measures may result in younger individuals being targeted by criminal networks.
Concerns were also voiced by internal party members, such as Catherine Borgkvist from Skåne, who questioned the effectiveness of the proposed age reduction, arguing that it might inadvertently lead to exploitation of children by gangs. In light of these discussions, the party aims to implement additional preventive measures, including programs focused on families experiencing specific risk factors and intensified monitoring for at-risk youth. Initiatives like personal escorts or electronic tagging have been suggested to aid these efforts while balancing crime prevention with enforcement strategies.
The Social Democrats’ proposal comes as the Sweden Democrats have suggested an even more radical reduction to age 13. Amid this political dynamic, it is clear that the issue of youth crime and legal accountability continues to be a contentious topic in Sweden's political landscape, attracting both support and significant criticism, particularly regarding its implications on youth safety and criminal exploitation.