Understand the proposal for reducing the age of criminal responsibility being discussed in the Chamber
Learn the details of the proposal that reduces the age of criminal responsibility to 16 years for serious crimes and the pressure for a vote in the Chamber and Senate.
TL;DR
- The Chamber of Deputies is fast-tracking discussions to potentially lower the age of criminal responsibility to 16 for heinous and serious crimes.
- The proposal specifies that 16 and 17-year-olds would be subject to criminal responsibility only for specific grave offenses, such as intentional homicide and death caused by bodily harm.
- A key aspect of the proposal is the establishment of separate correctional facilities for convicted minors aged 16-17, distinct from adult prisons and common socio-educational centers.
- The Senate is considering alternative approaches, including setting the age of responsibility at 16 only for heinous crimes or even lower for specific offenses like torture and drug trafficking.
- There's also a proposal to increase the maximum socio-educational detention period without changing the age of criminal responsibility, due to concerns about constitutional challenges.
- Both legislative houses aim to reach a decision on the matter by the end of the year, with a deadline set for legislative action.
- The rapporteur in the Chamber intends to present a final proposal by November 30, seeking a consensus text.