Young offenders

Question 1

what is the age of criminal responsibility in the ACT and other jurisdictions

Answer 1

ACT- currently 12, but moving to 14 as of July 1st this year
Commonwealth- 10 years
other territories- 10 years

Question 2

what is doli incapax

Answer 2

the presumption that a child under the age of 14 is incapable of committing a crime due to lack of understanding right from wrong, lack of maturity and brain development

Question 3

youth tend to be dealt with in the children’s court, with emphasis on rehabilitation. what does the children’s court do

Answer 3

they deal with matters that concern children and young people, focusing on their care, protection, and criminal offenses

Question 4

what is the UN CRC and what does it stand for

Answer 4

Convention on the Rights of the Child
it’s a universal human rights treaty that outlines the rights of any child. ensuring children are treated with dignity and respect, and their rights are protected

Question 5

what rights do the children’s court include

Answer 5

right to be heard, right to legal representation, right to a support person