The starting point is that a protection right, such as not being criminalised for actions, applies until 18, and the decision to lower that age needs justification.iiWritten submission, CYPCS
The Centre for Youth and Criminal Justice also suggested that “it is entirely appropriate that as children mature they are given greater rights to exercise autonomy and make choices about their lives, so there needs to be a tiered approach” whilst acknowledging that “criminal responsibility, however, needs careful consideration, because holding a child solely, exclusively and criminally responsible can have long-term and profound consequences”iiiWritten submission, CYCJ.