Finland weighs lowering age of criminal responsibility

Finland’s Ministry of Justice is investigating whether to lower the age of criminal responsibility, Yle reports.

Children under 15 are currently not criminally liable in Finland. Serious offences committed by them are instead addressed through child welfare measures.

Justice Minister Leena Meri said Finland was looking to Sweden as a model.

“Sweden decided last week to lower the age of criminal responsibility to 14 for serious crimes, and I hope Finland will follow Sweden’s example in measures to prevent youth crime,” Meri said in a statement.

The Ministry of Justice will conduct the investigation as official work and complete it this year.

Violent acts and other serious offences committed by children under 15 have increased.