The age of criminal responsibility might be lowered to 12

The four opposition parties have vowed to fight juvenile crime together

There are plans afoot in parliament to lower the age of criminal liability to 12.

The measure is one of several that the leaders of the four opposition parties – Søren Pape Poulsen (Konservative),  Lars Lokke Rasmussen (Venstre), Kristian Thulesen Dahl (Dansk Folkeparti) and  Anders Samuelsen (Liberal Alliance) – believe can tackle juvenile crime.

There will be consequences
The parties contend that lowering the age, which was actually raised from 14 to 15 just two years ago, will send out a signal to Denmark's youth that there is a consequence for every action they take.

Juvenile courts will accordingly be for 12 to17-years-olds and be manned by "specially trained judges and child experts", Berlingske reports.

It is a chance for these teenagers to get "a decent life", Poulsen told DR Nyheder.

The new initiatives will be presented at the next session of parliament.

 




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