Criminal-Law and Criminological Aspects of the Age of Criminal Responsibility under the Criminal Legislation of the Republic of Moldova
Keywords:
offence; punishment; minor; age of criminal responsibility; criminal capacityAbstract
Objectives: This study aims to analyze the criminal-law and criminological aspects of the age of criminal responsibility under the criminal legislation of the Republic of Moldova, focusing on the distinction between the general age threshold (16 years) and the special threshold (14 years), applicable only to certain offences, and on the criteria underlying their identification. It also seeks to highlight the role of criminological research in determining the age of criminal responsibility for criminal acts. Prior Work: The doctrinal studies used in this research demonstrate continued academic interest in the subject. Researchers have examined the age of the minor as a feature of the offender, emphasizing the role of psychological development in setting a minimum age of criminal responsibility and the minor's capacity to act with discernment. Approach: The study analyses doctrinal interpretations, international and national regulations, and criminological aspects characterizing the age-related features of minors who have committed offences. Results, Implications, and Value: The study offers a comprehensive approach to the age of criminal responsibility, treating it not merely as a chronological threshold laid down by criminal law, but also as a psychological threshold. Determining this age requires consideration of the minor's psychological development, capacity for discernment, the degree of social harm of the attributable offence, and the educational purpose of the criminal-law response. The article may be useful to researchers, students, doctoral candidates, juvenile justice practitioners, and policymakers involved in shaping criminal policy.
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