A 12-year-old boy appeared in court in the UK on Tuesday as a suspect. He is charged with the murder of a social worker.
The hearing at Crown Court in Sheffield initially dealt with organizational matters. The main session will start in August at the earliest. The boy is accused of hitting the 60-year-old social worker with her own car. The woman died at the scene of the crime. The 12-year-old was said to have had a knife with him.
The case will not be heard by a juvenile court, as it is a capital crime. Unlike in Germany and many other countries, criminal liability begins in England at the age of ten and in Scotland at the age of twelve.
A discussion about lowering the age of criminal responsibility has also flared up in Germany, following some serious criminal cases involving children recently. In the Franconian town of Wunsiedel, an eleven-year-old boy is linked to the death of a ten-year-old girl. In Freudenberg, North Rhine-Westphalia, two girls aged 12 and 13 allegedly murdered a 12-year-old.
However, most scientists consider a reduction below the age of 14 as a mistake. The United Nations recommends that criminal responsibility be attained after the age of 12. (saw/sda/dpa)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
