China is poised to implement stricter measures in response to a rise in juvenile crime. As part of China’s Stricter Penalties for Violent Juvenile Crimes, a draft amendment to the Criminal Law, currently under review by the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, proposes a two-pronged approach: lowering the age of criminal responsibility and expanding the scope of punishable offenses for minors.

Previously, the draft focused on holding juveniles accountable for “intentional homicide or injuries leading to death under flagrant circumstances.” On Monday, NPC spokesperson Yue Zhongming announced that China’s Stricter Penalties for Violent Juvenile Crimes would broaden to include ‘severe injuries inflicted with extreme brutality, resulting in serious disabilities.”

This revision reflects public outcry following a high-profile case in 2019. A 13-year-old boy brutally murdered a 10-year-old girl, sparking outrage on social media. Because of his age, the court did not hold him criminally liable and sentenced him to only three years of rehabilitation. The case ignited calls for stricter measures to deter and punish violent juvenile offenders.

The proposed changes are part of a broader effort to address the rising issue of juvenile delinquency in China. The government established the age of criminal responsibility at 14 in 1997. However, increasing juvenile crime rates have raised concerns.

Legal experts remain divided on the effectiveness of lowering the age of criminal responsibility. While some see it as a deterrent, others argue it fails to address the root causes of juvenile crime. They advocate for a combined approach featuring legal consequences, alongside educational and rehabilitative measures.

The debate over China’s Stricter Penalties for Violent Juvenile Crimes underscores the complexity of balancing punitive measures with rehabilitation. Policymakers focus on finding effective solutions to curb juvenile delinquency while ensuring young offenders have opportunities for reform. This approach aims to create a more comprehensive legal framework that addresses both the symptoms and underlying issues of juvenile crime in China.