The Swedish government's proposal to extend the detention period for minors from three months to five months has received significant pushback from the Council on Legislation (Lagrådet), an expert group of legal professionals that reviews government legislation. They argue that such an extension violates the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which stipulates that children should only be deprived of their liberty for the shortest appropriate period. This proposed change is part of a broader strategy aimed at enhancing law enforcement's capabilities to deal with crimes committed by individuals under 18 years old.

Furthermore, the government plans to increase the use of coercive measures against minors in an effort to tackle serious crimes more effectively. While the government believes that extending the detention time will facilitate the investigation of complex and serious offenses, Lagrådet's assertion highlights potential discrepancies between proposed legal measures and established international human rights standards. They contend that the justification provided by the government fails to demonstrate that the longer detention period is necessary or appropriate within the context of juvenile justice.

The implications of this proposed law extend beyond the immediate legal landscape, as it raises questions about Sweden's commitment to international conventions concerning children's rights. If enacted, the law could not only affect the treatment of young offenders but also influence public perception and trust in the justice system's ability to balance safety concerns with the protection of vulnerable populations, particularly children who are caught up in the legal system.