A significant majority of the Argentine population supports the government's initiative to lower the age of criminal accountability for juveniles, as indicated by recent surveys.
The proposal to lower the age of criminal accountability in Argentina has gained substantial backing, with recent surveys showing that around 80% of the public supports the initiative. Currently, the legal age for criminal responsibility is set at 16 years, and a bill is being pushed by the government to amend this. The bill has already received a favorable report from the commission and is set to be debated in the Chamber of Deputies soon.
The survey conducted by Opinaia revealed that the support for the initiative spans across various demographic groups, with 67% of respondents expressing they are 'very much in favor', and an additional 14% indicating they are 'somewhat in favor.' This leaves only about 15% of the public opposing the idea, which marks a strong consensus among the population regarding punitive measures aimed at juvenile offenders.
However, the initiative has faced criticism from notable organizations such as the Church and Unicef, which highlights the ongoing debate regarding juvenile justice in Argentina. As this bill progresses through the legislative process, it may signal a shift in the nation's approach to crime and youth, raising important questions about rehabilitation and punishment in the context of juvenile offenders.
