1. The Age of Criminal Responsibility Bill

4. Equalities and Human Rights Committee
Christina McKelvie
Alex Cole-Hamilton
Mary Fee
Fulton MacGregor
Gail Ross
Oliver Mundell
Annie Wells

5. Why raise the age from 8 to 12?
The UNCRC considers 8 to be too young
Globally, the average is 12
They recommend that 12 should be the minimum
It would still be among the lowest in Europe
The UK has been criticised for setting its Age of Criminal Responsibility so low
8 in Scotland
10 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland

6. Investigating the issue
There are 13 cards with arguments on the issue
Some have information
Children’s Hearings
Ages in other countries
Some support raising the age
Neuroscience
Life chances
Inconsistent standards for age milestones
Some suggest reasons we might want to be cautious
Gang use of minors
Young children who commit serious crimes
Wish you weren’t here…
Wish you weren’t here…

7. Should the Age of Criminal Responsibility be raised from 8 to a minimum of 12?
Yes 2 No 3
Abstain

8. What should the age of criminal responsibility be?
12?
13?
14?
15?
16?