October 18, 2026
RLC pupil barrister Stephen Hare has written for Young Legal Aid Lawyers on the continuing debate around the minimum age of criminal responsibility in England and Wales.
In his article, “Will history repeat itself? Raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility in England and Wales”, Stephen considers the arguments surrounding reform of the current law, including questions of child development, culpability, public protection and the wider public interest.
The piece examines whether the present minimum age adequately reflects modern understanding of childhood development and decision-making, while also considering the legal and policy challenges involved in any proposed change.
Read Stephen’s full article HERE
Stephen Hare: https://redlionchambers.co.uk/barrister/stephen-hare/