1. 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

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

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

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

5. Moral Responsibility A philosophical view…
(Reference)

6. Moral Responsibility
A personal view…

7. 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

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

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

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

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

12. Sub-Knowledge Q 1

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

14. 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

15. 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

16. Sub-Knowledge Q 1

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

18. * 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 *

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

20. Sub-Knowledge Q 2

21. Cognitive Development
Sub-Knowledge Q 2
Cognitive Development

22. Application to Venables
Sub-Knowledge Q 2
Application to Venables

23. 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

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

25. Sub-Knowledge Q 3
CCTV, Witnesses

26. Sub-Knowledge Q 3

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

28. Sub-Knowledge Q 3

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

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

31. (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)

32. Sub-Knowledge Q 4

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

34. 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.”

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

36. Sub-Knowledge Q 4
“The Government is not considering reviewing the age of criminal responsibility…”

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

38. Conclusion

39. 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?

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

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