Jon Venables served eight years for murdering James Bulger The age of criminal responsibility should be raised from 10 to 12, says England's children's commissioner.Maggie Atkinson said the killers of James Bulger should have undergone "programmes" to help turn their lives around, rather than being prosecuted. Most criminals under 12 did not fully understand their actions, she said. She told the Times civilised society should recognise that children who commit offences needed to be treated differently from adult criminals. The age of criminal responsibility in many European countries ranges between 14 and 16, but in England, Wales and Northern Ireland remains at 10. In Scotland, the age is currently eight, but legislation is being passed to raise it to 12. AGES OF CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY 7 - Switzerland, Nigeria, S Africa 8 - Scotland, Sri Lanka 10 - England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Australia, New Zealand 12 - The Netherlands, Canada, Greece, Turkey 13 - France 14 - Italy, Germany, Bulgaria, Romania, China 15 - Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Czech Republic, New York (US), South Carolina (USA) 16 - Spain, Japan, Texas (US), Poland 18 - Belgium, Luxembourg, most US states "Even the most hardened of youngsters who have committed some very difficult crimes are not beyond being frightened," Dr Atkinson told the newspaper.[Read more...]