During the riots in London, some young people try to force the window of a jewelry store.
(Photo: dapd)
Sedan Compared to other European countries, Great Britain treats children and young people with special needs particularly harshly. In England, children are already considered criminally responsible from the age of ten, in Scotland even from the age of 8. For comparison: In Germany, children can only appear in court at the age of 14. Since the mid-1990s, there have been numerous individual laws (laws) in Great Britain that allow juveniles to be sentenced as early as possible, like adults, no later than the age of 17. The measures also include preventive measures. detention in normal prisons. In the UK, the police have extensive powers. Unlike Germany, it takes over some of the tasks of the local prosecutor’s office, eg prosecutions.
In 1998 the UK government passed legislation introducing ‘ASBOs’ (Anti Social Behavior Order). This means warnings against antisocial behavior. For example, judges can bar youth from entering certain places after repeated acts of intimidation. Graffiti artists are prohibited from possessing spray paint cans. Anyone who defies such an order risks up to five years in prison. Ten-year-olds can be punished with an ASBO. Almost half of the orders so far concerned minors.
However, the tough policy has borne little fruit. According to the researchers, the problem lies in the fact that the real culprits, the parents, are practically not bothered. The statutory possibility of combining the order with a request to parents to supervise their children is rarely used. The “hoodies”, often young men in hoodies, see ASBOS more as a badge of honor for particularly cool behavior.
David Cameron, as the new Tory Prime Minister, tested for understanding rather than toughness, at least when he was Leader of the Opposition. He advocated a strategy of “loving criticism” towards young offenders. His words, understood as too comprehensive, were mocked with the slogan “Hug a Hoodie” (“hugs a hooded man”).
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