A ‘Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility Advisory Group’ has been set up by the Scottish Government to consider the policy, legislative and procedural implications of raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility from eight to 12 years of age. The Advisory Group has agreed its Terms of Reference, membership and four workstreams: Police investigatory powers and forensic sampling; Children’s Hearings system; Disclosure including police weeding & retention and victims issues; and Risk Management.
The group has met three times, with a further meeting scheduled for February. A report will then be published in February 2016 which will form the basis of proposals for consultation.