The increase in crime begins if the state has a low legal culture. Of course, improper upbringing and ignorance of the law plays an equally important role. Many teenagers are mistakenly convinced that criminal liability cannot be applied for their offense. She comes at a certain age. Moreover, for each age category, the punishment may be different.
What is the age of criminal responsibility?
At a certain age, when a child already begins to be responsible for his actions and crimes immediately before the law, criminal liability may be incurred. She comes mainly from the age of 16. But in some cases specially stipulated by law, 14-year-olds can be prosecuted.
How is the age of criminal responsibility determined?
To determine the age when criminal liability occurs, a number of criteria are taken. This is the data of teachers, psychiatrists, psychologists. Biological and medical factors must be taken into account. That is, any information that can reveal the stages of the formation and development of the psyche of a teenager. An important role in determining the age of criminal responsibility is played by cultural and national traditions, living conditions and parenting. As well as the nature of the crime committed.
When can a person not be held criminally liable?
All minors need to know, criminal liability occurs at how many years. Under Russian law, this age is associated with psychophysical development. That is, a human person must be formed. A teenager must understand and evaluate his actions. If he is lagging behind in development, then criminal liability cannot be applied to him at any age.
The main initial age categories for criminal liability
According to the legislation of the Russian Federation, criminal liability begins from the age of 16. At this age, the personality of a teenager is already formed, he is able to understand and evaluate his actions, what impact they have on society as a whole.
But for some serious crimes, criminal liability in the Russian Federation comes at the age of 14. There is a special list of such offenses. Particularly serious crimes are included in it, indicating that the adolescent does not want to comply with moral standards that are embedded in his mind from infancy.
But the severity of the offense is also not the only factor determining the age of criminal responsibility. The intellectual level of development of a teenager is important, which allows us to evaluate the essence of his misconduct for the public.
Therefore, for some crimes, the age of criminal responsibility is higher. For example, 18 years, when a person can already be bound by marriage and pay child support.
Criminal liability for different age categories
For 14-year-olds, criminal liability occurs if they have reached a sufficient level of intellectual development. There are 4 main groups of crimes:
- Physical abuse (or threat to them). This includes killing, grievous or moderate bodily harm. As well as rape and all acts of a similar nature.
- Taking possession of another's property. This group includes: robbery, robbery, blackmail, extortion, theft. And also if stolen drugs or vehicles, weapons, etc.
- Destruction of another's property or its damage.This list includes vandalism. As well as a number of other crimes, when someone else’s property was damaged or destroyed.
- Some other serious crimes. This group includes kidnapping, hostage taking, false information about acts of terrorism and hooliganism with aggravating factors.
For 16-year-olds, criminal liability also arises in all of the above cases. But the punishment at the age of sixteen can be more severe.
For 18-year-olds, in addition to the above crimes, there is an additional list divided into two groups:
- Crimes for which the age of criminal responsibility is clearly established. This includes depraved acts in relation to minors and their involvement in illegal activities.
- Crimes for which the age of criminal responsibility depends on the offense committed. For example, judges may be subject to criminal penalties from the age of 25. Since only after its achievement a person can take this position.
What are the penalties for minors?
Criminal liability occurs not only at different ages, but also has differentiation in terms of punishments. A system of fines may be applied to minors. If a teenager already has his earnings, then he will indemnify material damage personally. Otherwise, parents do it for him.
A minor may be limited to engage in certain activities. And involved in free hours to compulsory labor. Correctional labor may be imputed to minors. If a teenager works, then he can fulfill his duty in the workplace.
Minors may be restricted or even deprived of their liberty. For example, you can’t leave the house at specific hours set by the court, leave the city, go to some events, etc. In some cases, imprisonment is served in prisons.
