Italy moves to treat 14‑18‑year‑olds as adults in criminal cases

The Italian government is considering a change to the criminal code that would reverse the presumption of capacity for minors aged 14 to 18. Under the proposal, judges would have to assess each young offender’s ability to understand the wrongdoing, rather than assuming it, effectively allowing more youths to be tried as adults. Justice Minister Carlo Nordio has emphasized that the amendment does not lower the age of prosecution nor increase penalties, but shifts the burden of proof.

Neuropsychiatrist Ugo Sabatello warned that brain development remains incomplete throughout this age range, arguing that treating adolescents as adults ignores established scientific evidence. He also highlighted the strain on Italy’s juvenile detention facilities, which have seen a 50 % rise in inmate numbers after the 2023 Caivano decree, leading to overcrowding and incidents of violence. Recent statistics show a slight decline in minor arrests from 2019‑2021, followed by a 16 % increase in 2024, fueling public concern over youth delinquency.