Ministry of Justice Announces Legislative Notice for Amendment to Lower Maximum Age of Juvenile Delinquency Threshold

Minister of Justice Han Dong-hoon announced a comprehensive plan for juvenile crime on the afternoon of the 26th of last month at the Ministry of Justice within the Government Complex Gwacheon. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] The Ministry of Justice announced on the 2nd that it will publicly propose amendments to the Juvenile Act and Criminal Act, including lowering the upper age limit for "chokbeopsonyeon" (juveniles exempt from criminal punishment) to 13 years old. The public comment period will run from the 3rd to the 13th of next month.

The amendment includes lowering the upper age limit for chokbeopsonyeon from the current "under 14 years old" to "under 13 years old," reducing it by one year.

Chokbeopsonyeon refers to youths aged 10 or older but under 14 who commit crimes and receive protective measures such as community service or placement in juvenile detention centers instead of criminal punishment. With the amendment, 13-year-olds will no longer be classified as chokbeopsonyeon.

If protective measures are deemed unfair, prosecutors will be allowed to file appeals to ensure victims' opinions are reflected. The types of additional probation measures will also be diversified to include treatment and rehabilitation at specialized drug treatment institutions and protection at child welfare facilities.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.