Age of Criminal Responsibility (Scotland) Bill

# Age of Criminal Responsibility (Scotland) Bill Scottish law has historically set the age of criminal responsibility at eight years old, one of the lowest thresholds in Europe and significantly below most comparable jurisdictions. This bill was introduced to address concerns that very young children lack the developmental maturity to understand their actions or be held criminally accountable, and that the criminal justice system is an inappropriate mechanism for addressing the behaviour of young children, who may be better served through support, education, and welfare-focused intervention rather than prosecution. The bill raises the age of criminal responsibility from eight to twelve years old, bringing Scotland closer to international standards and the recommendations of child welfare experts and human rights bodies. The legislation introduces a corresponding duty for local authorities to notify the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration when they become aware of children under twelve engaging in harmful behaviour, establishing a preventative framework focused on early intervention and support. The bill also modifies how cases involving young children are handled by the justice system, prioritising diversion from criminal proceedings and directing resources towards addressing the underlying causes of problematic behaviour through child protection and welfare services rather than prosecution.

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