Italy adopts law presuming criminal responsibility for 14‑18‑year‑olds

Italian juvenile law presumptive culpability minors 14‑18 Caritas criticism burden of proof shift

The Italian government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Justice Minister Carlo Nordio, approved a bill that presumes the capacity to understand and will for minors aged 14 to 18, shifting the burden of proof to the defence. The amendment changes article 98 of the penal code and article 9 of DPR 448/1988 and extends preventive measures such as pre‑trial detention and bans on aggregation for this age group.

Caritas Ambrosiana and the wider Caritas network issued statements warning that the proposal risks replacing education with punishment and called for stronger community and social‑service support instead of harsher penalties. NGOs such as the Association IPAZIA of Reggio Calabria echoed the criticism, urging structural investment in education, welfare and preventive programmes.

Official statistics show that only 153 cases involved children under 14 in 2025, representing about 1.3 % of juvenile cases, and that juvenile detention facilities are already overcrowded, with roughly 600 minors detained and a 50 % increase since the earlier “Caivano” decree. Analysts argue that lowering the age of criminal responsibility is unlikely to improve safety and may exacerbate future criminality without broader social reforms.

Entities

Association IPAZIA · Barbara Rosina · Caritas (Italian charitable organization) · Caritas Ambrosiana · Carlo Nordio · Giorgia Meloni · Italian Government · Italian Parliament · Italy · National Council for Social Assistance (CNOAS)

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] The bill extends preventive measures such as pre‑trial detention and bans on aggregation for minors aged 14‑18. www.strettoweb.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Italian government approved a bill that presumes the capacity to understand and will for minors aged 14 to 18, shifting the burden of proof to the defence. metrotoday.it
[○ 1 SOURCE] In 2025, 153 cases involved children under 14, representing 1.3 % of juvenile cases. cnoas.org
[○ 1 SOURCE] Juvenile detention facilities in Italy house about 600 minors, a 50 % increase since the earlier Caivano decree. www.ragazzidentro.it
[○ 1 SOURCE] Association IPAZIA of Reggio Calabria criticized the bill and urged investment in education, welfare and preventive programmes. www.strettoweb.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Caritas Ambrosiana issued a statement criticizing the bill and calling for education rather than punitive measures. www.chiesadimilano.it
[○ 1 SOURCE] The bill modifies article 98 of the Italian penal code and article 9 of DPR 448/1988. metrotoday.it
[○ 1 SOURCE] Critics argue that lowering the age of criminal responsibility is ineffective and may increase future criminality without broader social reforms. www.fondazioneluigieinaudi.it