The age of criminal responsibility in Finland could be lowered following a new proposal put forward by the country’s Ministry of Justice to combat an increasing number of serious crimes committed by minors.
As it stands, the age of criminal responsibility in Finland is 15, meaning that serious crimes committed by those under that age are dealt with through child protection measures.
An increase in cases of violence and other serious crimes involving suspects aged 15 and younger is the main reason behind the proposal.
The move follows Sweden, which decided to lower the age of criminal responsibility to 14 for serious crimes. Finnish Justice Minister Lina Meri said that Sweden had set an example.
An official study is to be conducted by the Ministry towards the end of this year.