Ladies and Gentlemen, esteemed judges, and honorable opponents,

I stand before you today to argue passionately that lowering the age of
criminal responsibility is not against child rights. It is imperative that we
acknowledge and address the complexities surrounding this issue, taking
into consideration the welfare and development of our children.

Firstly, let us recognize that the current age of criminal responsibility in

many jurisdictions does not align with contemporary understandings of
child psychology and development. Science tells us that children are
inherently different from adults in terms of cognitive abilities, impulse
control, and understanding of consequences. They are more susceptible to
external influences, such as peer pressure and environmental factors, which
can impact their decision-making processes.

Secondly, raising the age of criminal responsibility does not equate to

condoning criminal behavior in children. Instead, it acknowledges that
children should be treated differently under the law due to their unique
vulnerabilities and capacities. By focusing on rehabilitation rather than
punishment, we can address the root causes of juvenile delinquency and
help children reintegrate into society as productive citizens.

Moreover, lowering the age of criminal responsibility does not mean that
children will escape accountability for their actions. On the contrary, it
allows for a more holistic and effective approach to juvenile justice, one that
emphasizes prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation. Studies have shown
that early intervention programs are more successful in reducing
reoffending rates among young offenders compared to punitive measures.

In conclusion, lowering the age of criminal responsibility is not a violation of

child rights but rather a recognition of the evolving understanding of
childhood and the need for a more compassionate and effective juvenile
justice system. Let us prioritize the well-being and future of our children by
advocating for policies that promote rehabilitation and reintegration. Thank
you.
Title: Lowering the Age of Criminal Responsibility: Upholding Justice and
Protecting Society

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today, we are gathered to discuss a crucial issue that impacts our justice
system and society as a whole: the age of criminal responsibility. I stand
before you to argue in favor of lowering the age of criminal responsibility, as
I firmly believe that this change is not against child rights but rather serves
to uphold justice and protect our communities.

First and foremost, it is essential to understand that lowering the age of

criminal responsibility does not mean treating children as adults. Rather, it
is about holding children accountable for their actions in a developmentally
appropriate manner. Research shows that children as young as 14 have the
cognitive ability to understand the consequences of their actions, and
therefore, they should be held accountable for committing serious crimes.

Furthermore, lowering the age of criminal responsibility can act as a

deterrent against juvenile crime. Knowing that there are consequences for
their actions can deter children from engaging in criminal behavior. This can
help reduce crime rates and make our communities safer for everyone.

Moreover, it is important to consider the rights of victims. Victims of crimes

committed by children deserve justice and closure. By holding young
offenders accountable for their actions, we are ensuring that victims receive
the justice they deserve.

In conclusion, lowering the age of criminal responsibility is not against child

rights but rather serves to uphold justice and protect our communities. It is
a necessary step towards ensuring that children are held accountable for
their actions in a developmentally appropriate manner. Thank you.

Sources:
Steinberg, Laurence. “Should the Science of Adolescent Brain Development
Inform Public Policy?” Issues in Science and Technology, vol. 32, no. 2,
2016, pp. 45-52.
National Institute of Justice. “Juvenile Justice: Legislative History and
Current Legislative Issues.” Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Justice,
2019.
Mendel, Richard A. “Less Hype, More Help: Reducing Juvenile Crime, What
Works—and What Doesn’t.” Washington, DC: American Youth Policy Forum,
2017.
Strategies to Strengthen the Argument:

Utilize Statistics: Include statistics on juvenile crime rates and the impact of
lowering the age of criminal responsibility in other countries.
Appeal to Emotions: Share stories or anecdotes that illustrate the need for
accountability and justice for victims of juvenile crime.
Highlight Success Stories: Provide examples of countries or regions where
lowering the age of criminal responsibility has led to positive outcomes in
terms of reduced crime rates and improved rehabilitation of young offenders.