"Catching them young" – some reflections on the meaning of the age of criminal responsibility in England and Wales. Issue 3 (8th July 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bateman, Tim
• Is Part Of: Safer communities. Volume 13:Issue 3(2014)
• Page Start: 133
• Page End: 142
• Publication Date: 2014-07-08
• Subjects: Evidence -- Government -- Youth justice -- Age of criminal responsibility -- Children's rights -- Underclass theory; Crime prevention -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 364.40941
• DOI: 10.1108/SC-05-2014-0008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-8043

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: – The purpose of this paper is to explore the tension between government protestations that youth justice policy is evidence-led and what the evidence implies in the context of the age of criminal responsibility. Design/methodology/approach: – The paper takes the form of a conceptual analysis of government policy and the evidence base. Findings: – The paper concludes that the current low age of criminal responsibility in England and Wales can be understood as a manifestation of the influence of underclass theory on successive governments. Research limitations/implications: – The paper is not based on primary research. Practical implications: – The arguments adduced help to explain the reluctance of government to countenance any increase in the age of criminal responsibility. Social implications: – The analysis might help inform approaches adopted by youth justice policy makers, practitioners and academics with an interest in seeking a rise in the age of criminal responsibility. Originality/value: – The paper offers an original analysis of government intransigence on an important social issue.