Lawyers are supporting Labour’s call to raise the age of criminal responsibility to 14, as the Government considers whether to change the law. Under the current approach, children below a lower age can be arrested, charged, and prosecuted for alleged offending. Labour argues that children under 14 should no longer face those steps for any crime, shifting responsibility away from the criminal justice system at that age.
The reports say lawyers have voiced support for the proposed increase, aligning with Labour’s position while the Government weighs the policy implications of altering the current threshold. The decision concerns what powers and processes apply to children below 14, including whether they can be taken into custody and brought through formal charging and prosecution.
At this stage, the Government’s review is described as ongoing, with no final decision reported. The discussion focuses on the legal treatment of children under the proposed age limit and the potential impact of moving them away from arrest and prosecution.
