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Criminal Responsibility

Sociology: AQA GCSE, topic 4.3.6

Age of Criminal Responsibility

The age of criminal responsibility in England and Wales is 10 years old. Courts give different sentences to young offenders who are aged 10-17. For example:

ASBOs and fines

ASBOs and fines

  • ASBOs (antisocial behaviour orders):
    • Anyone over 10 can be given one if they are antisocial.
  • Fine:
    • Those who are under 16, parents are responsible for paying the fine.
Referral order

Referral order

  • Referral order:
    • The offender needs to attend a panel and agree to make up for what they’ve done.
    • This can last from 3 months to a year.
    • The aim is that the offender improves their behaviour.
Custodial sentence

Custodial sentence

  • Custodial sentence:
    • Offenders might receive it but they are only imposed if it’s a serious incident.
    • The aim of these is to ensure that offenders won’t offend again - it is seen as rehabilitation.
Custodial sentence cont.

Custodial sentence cont.

  • In the case a young person who is convicted of a serious offence the Crown Court may consider them as a significant risk of serious harm to the public and pass a sentence of detention for life or a longer sentence of detention.
Youth rehabilitation order

Youth rehabilitation order

  • Youth rehabilitation order:
    • A community sentence.
    • E.g. curfew, drug treatment etc.

Test yourself on Criminal Responsibility

  • What is the age of criminal responsibility in England and Wales?

  • What does ASBO stand for?

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