Warning: Even younger children become criminals

In its opinion on the proposal, the Prosecutor’s Office fears that a reduction means that the serious crime is « pushed down even more in the ages ».

The police come with a similar warning that there is a risk that even younger children are involved than today in criminal activities.

That risk, according to the Göta High Court, speaks « with strength » against a reduction in the age of punishment.

In January, the government’s investigator proposed that the criminal age be reduced from 15 to 14 years for crimes that have a minimum sentence for four years on the penalty scale.

Also the National Board of Health and Welfare is critical and indicates that no new knowledge has emerged about children’s development that makes it more reasonable for a 14-year-old to be considered ripe to be convicted of crime. The authority also points out that children who have been drawn into crime find it difficult to get out of the criminal networks due to indebtedness, threats and violence.

According to the National Board of Health and Welfare, it is « in violation of the best interests of the child ».

The police and the Prosecutor’s Office also question whether the proposal is compatible with Sweden’s international commitment to look after the children’s best interests.

Police, prosecutors and courts also warn that a reduced criminal age for certain crimes creates major application problems and an uncertain order.

It can, according to Svea High Court, appears inexplicable to a victim, that a 14-year-old cannot be charged with rape, but for serious weapons crime.

The Prosecutor’s Office warns of unreasonable consequences. An example is that a 14-year-old is arrested and charged with serious rape, but that the court considers that it is a rape of the normal degree. Since 14-year-olds, according to the proposal, should not be punishable for such a crime, the child is completely freed. And can then also be entitled to damages.

The police are concerned about having to follow different regulations for different crimes, depending on whether the 14-year-old is punishable or not.

The proposal’s critics also include the Chancellor of Justice and the Ombudsman for Justice.