The age of criminal responsibility in the eyes of the professionals

Abstract

The Minimum age of criminal responsibility also known as MACR is “the youngest age at which children may potentially be held liable for infringements of a given country’s penal law”. This study emphasis on the MACR, across Europe with the aim to investigate how the Maltese MACR affects the professionals that work with juvenile delinquency. The research also explores the recent changes in the Maltese laws, Criminal code, Chapter 9, that took place in 2013, as well as whether these amendments were for the better or worse and if it is seen to be effective. It also investigates whether those countries with a low age of criminal responsibility should raise the age to conform with the rest of Europe, such as the UK. The methodology used involved five semi-structured interviews with professionals, selected on the basis of having more than five years work experience, with regards to youth offenders. This study reveals that the desired results, such as to reduce crime amongst youth, is not being reached and hence, the age of criminal responsibility in the eyes of these professionals is seen to be ineffective. This is brought about by the lack of adequate services, programs and alternatives provided to the juveniles. This study also includes mitigation perspective and recommended measures on how crime amongst juvenile can decrease.