Argentina to lower criminal responsibility age to 14

Argentina will implement a new juvenile criminal regime on September 5, lowering the age of criminal responsibility to 14 years. Under Law 27.801, adolescents aged 14 to 17 will face legal consequences for crimes, with sentence durations expected to triple compared to previous standards.

Estimates suggest a 30% increase in the adolescent population entering the justice system. Concerns have been raised regarding prison capacity, particularly in provinces like Entre Ríos, where officials worry about the lack of space to house minors alongside adults. There are also questions regarding how provincial legislatures will align local laws with this new national framework.

Judge Rodrigo Morabito emphasized the importance of prevention and education, noting that behaviors such as social media threats, recording violence, property damage, and animal cruelty will carry legal consequences. The new regime aims to balance accountability with social reintegration through measures like community service, electronic monitoring, and educational programs, while also noting that parents may face civil liability.