Change the age of criminal responsibility back to 12 in ACT
Change the age of criminal responsibility back to 12 in ACT
Recent signers:
Raghunaath Vankaiya and 19 others have signed recently.
The issue
My daughter was severely bullied and assaulted, and the main perpetrator, a 13-year-old girl, could not be charged due to the current laws in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). This is a personal issue that hits close to home for me, and I'm sure many parents out there share the same concern.
In the ACT, the age of criminal responsibility has been raised to 14, which means individuals below this age cannot be legally charged for their actions. While this change was implemented to align with perspectives on youth rehabilitation, it overlooks the severe effects that such actions have on victims and their families. For example, my daughter's experience has been traumatic, and it's disheartening to see that the existing legal framework offers no justice or accountability for the harm inflicted.
According to data from legal experts, lowering the age of criminal responsibility doesn't mean we cannot handle youthful offenders with care and consideration. It means that those responsible for harmful actions can be held accountable, while still focusing on rehabilitation. Countries like Sweden, Denmark, and Norway have ages of criminal responsibility set at 15 but have systems in place to effectively rehabilitate youths involved in crimes.
Restoring the age of criminal responsibility to 12 can balance the need for justice with the requirement for suitable rehabilitation processes. By making this change, we ensure that young offenders receive help, but also that victims and their families receive the justice they deserve. It’s about protecting our communities while fostering change in young lives.
I urge the ACT government, policymakers, and the general public to reconsider this legislation. We must prioritize a system that is fair, just, and protective of all—victims, families, and young individuals who’ve lost their way.
Please sign this petition to support the call for changing the age of criminal responsibility in the ACT back to 12. Your signature is a step towards justice and creating a safer community for everyone.
In the ACT, the age of criminal responsibility has been raised to 14, which means individuals below this age cannot be legally charged for their actions. While this change was implemented to align with perspectives on youth rehabilitation, it overlooks the severe effects that such actions have on victims and their families. For example, my daughter's experience has been traumatic, and it's disheartening to see that the existing legal framework offers no justice or accountability for the harm inflicted.
According to data from legal experts, lowering the age of criminal responsibility doesn't mean we cannot handle youthful offenders with care and consideration. It means that those responsible for harmful actions can be held accountable, while still focusing on rehabilitation. Countries like Sweden, Denmark, and Norway have ages of criminal responsibility set at 15 but have systems in place to effectively rehabilitate youths involved in crimes.
Restoring the age of criminal responsibility to 12 can balance the need for justice with the requirement for suitable rehabilitation processes. By making this change, we ensure that young offenders receive help, but also that victims and their families receive the justice they deserve. It’s about protecting our communities while fostering change in young lives.
I urge the ACT government, policymakers, and the general public to reconsider this legislation. We must prioritize a system that is fair, just, and protective of all—victims, families, and young individuals who’ve lost their way.
Please sign this petition to support the call for changing the age of criminal responsibility in the ACT back to 12. Your signature is a step towards justice and creating a safer community for everyone.
Casey WeinertPetition starter
454
Recent signers:
Raghunaath Vankaiya and 19 others have signed recently.
The issue
My daughter was severely bullied and assaulted, and the main perpetrator, a 13-year-old girl, could not be charged due to the current laws in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). This is a personal issue that hits close to home for me, and I'm sure many parents out there share the same concern.
In the ACT, the age of criminal responsibility has been raised to 14, which means individuals below this age cannot be legally charged for their actions. While this change was implemented to align with perspectives on youth rehabilitation, it overlooks the severe effects that such actions have on victims and their families. For example, my daughter's experience has been traumatic, and it's disheartening to see that the existing legal framework offers no justice or accountability for the harm inflicted.
According to data from legal experts, lowering the age of criminal responsibility doesn't mean we cannot handle youthful offenders with care and consideration. It means that those responsible for harmful actions can be held accountable, while still focusing on rehabilitation. Countries like Sweden, Denmark, and Norway have ages of criminal responsibility set at 15 but have systems in place to effectively rehabilitate youths involved in crimes.
Restoring the age of criminal responsibility to 12 can balance the need for justice with the requirement for suitable rehabilitation processes. By making this change, we ensure that young offenders receive help, but also that victims and their families receive the justice they deserve. It’s about protecting our communities while fostering change in young lives.
I urge the ACT government, policymakers, and the general public to reconsider this legislation. We must prioritize a system that is fair, just, and protective of all—victims, families, and young individuals who’ve lost their way.
Please sign this petition to support the call for changing the age of criminal responsibility in the ACT back to 12. Your signature is a step towards justice and creating a safer community for everyone.
In the ACT, the age of criminal responsibility has been raised to 14, which means individuals below this age cannot be legally charged for their actions. While this change was implemented to align with perspectives on youth rehabilitation, it overlooks the severe effects that such actions have on victims and their families. For example, my daughter's experience has been traumatic, and it's disheartening to see that the existing legal framework offers no justice or accountability for the harm inflicted.
According to data from legal experts, lowering the age of criminal responsibility doesn't mean we cannot handle youthful offenders with care and consideration. It means that those responsible for harmful actions can be held accountable, while still focusing on rehabilitation. Countries like Sweden, Denmark, and Norway have ages of criminal responsibility set at 15 but have systems in place to effectively rehabilitate youths involved in crimes.
Restoring the age of criminal responsibility to 12 can balance the need for justice with the requirement for suitable rehabilitation processes. By making this change, we ensure that young offenders receive help, but also that victims and their families receive the justice they deserve. It’s about protecting our communities while fostering change in young lives.
I urge the ACT government, policymakers, and the general public to reconsider this legislation. We must prioritize a system that is fair, just, and protective of all—victims, families, and young individuals who’ve lost their way.
Please sign this petition to support the call for changing the age of criminal responsibility in the ACT back to 12. Your signature is a step towards justice and creating a safer community for everyone.
Casey WeinertPetition starter
454 people signed this week
454
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Petition created on 18 April 2026