Angie, Tunrayo and Iye’re To what extent can reason be used to justify the setting of an age for criminal responsibility? Angie, Tunrayo and Iye’re TOK Presentation

James Bulger Case (R L S) “All little boys are nice until they get older…” Robert Thompson One of the killers Age 11

James Bulger Case (R L S) “For one to be criminally responsible, one must first be morally responsible…” Our Collective Position

James Bulger Case (R L S) Brief Interview (Video Clip)

Moral Responsibility A philosophical view… http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/moral-responsibility/ (Reference)

Moral Responsibility A personal view…

Moral Responsibility Main KQ: To what extent can reason be used to justify the setting of an age for criminal responsibility? Primary Aim: Importance of Moral Responsibility Secondary Aim: Answering Main KQ with Sub KQs

Sub-Knowledge Q 1 How could we establish that the early environments of individuals are one of the active ingredients in shaping moral standards?

Lawrence Kohlberg & Moral Development Sub-Knowledge Q 1 Lawrence Kohlberg & Moral Development

Sub-Knowledge Q 1 Relevant Stages (3 of 7) Stage One: Obedience & Punishments Stage Two: Individualism & Exchange Stage Three: Good Interpersonal Relationships

Application to Venables & Thompson Sub-Knowledge Q 1 Application to Venables & Thompson

Sub-Knowledge Q 1

Erwin James (CH Lecture) Sub-Knowledge Q 1 Erwin James (CH Lecture)

Sub-Knowledge Q 1 “If I hadn’t grown up with those difficulties, I don’t think I would’ve ended up inside…” Discussing w. Erwin James

Sub-Knowledge Q 1 “…but at the same time, there were those who grew up like me and didn’t end up inside. At the end of the day, I still chose the wrong path.” Discussing w. Erwin James

Sub-Knowledge Q 1

Sub-Knowledge Q 2 To what extent is the cognitive development of the brain a necessary condition for moral reasoning?

* http://developingchild.harvard.edu/key_concepts/executive_function/ Sub-Knowledge Q 2 Executive Function & Self-Regulation Skills * Focus Obtain and hold distinct information Filter out distractions Right moral choices & positive conduct * http://developingchild.harvard.edu/key_concepts/executive_function/

What about within an abusive environment? Sub-Knowledge Q 2 What about within an abusive environment?

Sub-Knowledge Q 2

Cognitive Development Sub-Knowledge Q 2 Cognitive Development

Application to Venables Sub-Knowledge Q 2 Application to Venables

Sub-Knowledge Q 2 Mental Disorder (morally challenged) No Learning Difficulty (not academically challenged) No Learning Difficulty = ‘Normal’ Child ‘Normal’ Child = Parental Neglect Frustration and Anger --- Impaired Cognitive Skills Immoral Decisions --- JAMES BULGER MURDER

Sub-Knowledge Q 3 To what extent were the bystanders associated with the James Bulger case each morally responsible?

Sub-Knowledge Q 3 CCTV, Witnesses

Sub-Knowledge Q 3

“Don’t blame the 38 witnesses. Blame society.” Sub-Knowledge Q 3 “Don’t blame the 38 witnesses. Blame society.” Angie

Sub-Knowledge Q 3

Perhaps both to some extent morally responsible? Sub-Knowledge Q 3 Killers Society Perhaps both to some extent morally responsible?

Sub-Knowledge Q 3 “He made it clear that the murderers almost wanted somebody to stop them, but nobody did…” Tunrayo

(Highly linked to Main KQ) Sub-Knowledge Q 4 How justifiable is the current act of setting a universal age for criminal responsibility? (Highly linked to Main KQ)

Sub-Knowledge Q 4

Sub-Knowledge Q 4 England & Wales 10 France 13 Germany 14 China 14 Denmark 15 Spain 16 Brazil 18 Luxembourg 18

Sub-Knowledge Q 4 “Children know the difference between right and wrong at the age of 10 and can be held criminally accountable for the actions.”

Sub-Knowledge Q 4 “The justice system provides the most appropriate solutions for addressing children’s underlying needs.”

Sub-Knowledge Q 4 “The Government is not considering reviewing the age of criminal responsibility…” http://www.urboss.org.uk/youth-justice-professionals/youth-justice-policy/minimum-age-of-criminal-responsibility

Conclusion To what extent can reason be used to justify the setting of an age for criminal responsibility? (Main KQ)

Conclusion

Conclusion Sub KQ 1 – Moral Standards are affected by the early environments of Individuals Sub KQ 2 – There is constant variety in the Cognitive Development of Children Sub KQ 3 – Possibility that Venables and Thompson were not solely responsible Sub KQ 4 – Current Issues with the age of 10 in UK Incognito – Neural Determinism?

Conclusion In the UK, reason is required for justification to some extent, however flaws still remain with the age itself. (Overall Answer)

Thank you for listening! Angie, Tunrayo and Iye’re TOK Presentation