Expert clarifies the question of criminal maturity in young people
According to one expert, only a few young people go unpunished after a serious violent crime due to a lack of maturity.
"Most young people see and feel the injustice of serious acts of violence," said adolescent psychiatrist Marc Allroggen. The senior consultant at the Institute Outpatient Clinic and Forensics at Ulm University Hospital regularly assesses young people following criminal offenses. "Even primary school pupils usually know that it is forbidden to hurt someone with a weapon."
A 15-year-old pupil in Offenburg is suspected of shooting a peer at a special needs school more than a week ago. The German suspect has since been in custody on suspicion of manslaughter. The attack is said to have taken place in the suspect's 9th grade class. The 15-year-old pupil is said to have entered his classroom and shot his classmate in the back of the head with a handgun.
Question about criminal liability
The question of criminal maturity is aimed at the developmental stage of the accused, said the expert. Specifically, the question is about developmental delays and how they affected the commission of the crime. In the case of culpability, it is necessary to find out whether a mental illness is present, as in adult criminal law. Assessments are made in discussions with the accused or via other sources of information - parents may also be consulted under certain circumstances.
Maturity is determined, for example, by the behavior after the crime. "Were there feelings of guilt or shame?" says Allroggen. These are indications that the alleged perpetrator was aware of the injustice. Conversely, it does not mean that there is a lack of insight into guilt if neither is present. Ultimately, there must be the ability to understand that the act was socially unacceptable and would not be tolerated by the legal system.
The social environment, the relationship with the parents, the appearance in everyday life, the age of the friends are also considered. The development of young people is not homogeneous and linear. Therefore, a closer look at the personality is necessary.
Although the crime committed by the 15-year-old suspect in Offenburg is a stark example of violent behavior, it highlights the importance of considering the maturity of young offenders. Despite attending a special needs school, this student should have understood that using a weapon to harm another student is a serious crime that is not tolerated in schools or society.
Source: www.dpa.com
