Finland studies sweeping change to juvenile crime laws

Finland’s Ministry of Justice has launched a study into whether the country should lower its minimum age of criminal responsibility amid growing concerns over serious offenses committed by minors.

People under the age of 15 are currently not subject to criminal liability in Finland, Yle reports.

Even when minors are suspected of serious crimes, cases involving them are handled through the child-protection system rather than criminal proceedings.

Justice Minister Leena Meri said Finland could follow Sweden’s example, where authorities recently decided to lower the age of criminal responsibility to 14 for certain serious offenses.

“Last week, Sweden decided to lower the age of criminal responsibility to 14 for serious offenses, and I hope Finland will follow Sweden’s example in tackling juvenile crime,” Meri said.

The Finnish review is being conducted under an official mandate from the Ministry of Justice and is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

The initiative comes amid concerns over a rise in violent incidents and other serious crimes involving children below the current age of criminal responsibility.

By Vafa Guliyeva