Youth crime and justice: Does age matter?

Abstract

Many countries have separate criminal justice systems for young people and adults, but is age the differentiating factor that should be considered? The separation based on age assumes that a ‘just’ response to young people demands recognition of their developmental needs, accredits them with less moral responsibility (than adults) and acts in a way towards them that protects their well-being and welfare.

In this lecture, Professor Jo Phoenix will argue that whilst understandable, this system locks the debate about youth justice into recurring circular disagreements about justice, welfare and rights. Professor Phoenix will discuss different ways in which social circumstances and cultural context might be better placed to differentiate in both adult and youthful law-breaking.