Rights and duties of minors in criminal law
Criminal liability usually begins at 16. For certain crimes listed in the Criminal Code – for example intentional killing, intentionally causing serious bodily harm, robbery, mugging, theft under aggravating circumstances and hooliganism – liability begins at 14. Administrative liability also begins at 16; if a younger child commits an offence, measures set by law may be taken regarding the parents. Punishments for minors are milder: the main aim is not to punish but to reeducate. Some punishments (for example life imprisonment) are not applied to them, and terms are shorter. In a case involving a minor, the parents or another legal representative and a defender must take part, and when a minor under 16 is questioned, a teacher or psychologist also takes part. Adults who draw a minor into crime face heavier liability. If peers or adults urge you to do something bad, refuse, leave the place and tell a trusted adult or the child helpline. “Everybody is doing it” is no excuse.
Role play: “Saying no” – practise confident phrases for refusing when a peer pressures and discuss whom to tell afterwards.