Czech justice chief urges lowering criminal responsibility age to 13

In a televised discussion, Lenka Bradáčová, the Czech Republic’s chief public prosecutor, warned that juvenile crime patterns are moving from petty theft to violent acts, including homicide, indicating a radicalisation of society and gaps in mental-health care. She argued that children aged 13 and 14 are involved in the gravest offences at comparable rates, justifying a reduction of the criminal responsibility threshold from 15 to 13 years.

The proposal would require coordination with the ministries of Education and Health to address underlying multidisciplinary issues. Justice Minister Jeroným Tejc (ANO) presented a plan in September, stating that a legislative amendment is being prepared and will be submitted by January. Under current law, minors under 15 are exempt from prosecution but may be placed under protective measures such as custodial education, medical treatment, probation supervision, or educational programmes. Recent statistics show a rise in violent crimes by minors in 2023-2024, while cases of robbery and assault have declined.