Swedish Government Proposes Lowering Age of Criminal Responsibility to 13 for Serious Crimes

The Swedish government has announced a controversial proposal to temporarily lower the age of criminal responsibility to 13 years for serious offenses, beginning July 1, 2026. This initiative aims to address rising youth crime by imposing stricter penalties on young offenders under 18 and abolishing the youth discount for adult sentences.

Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer has emphasized that this change is not a general reduction of the criminal responsibility age, but specifically targets the gravest crimes such as murder, attempted murder, aggravated rape, and serious public endangerment. The lowered age would apply temporarily for five years and only to crimes carrying a minimum sentence of four years in prison. Offenders aged 13 and 14 could face youth care, supervision, or even imprisonment, with penalties amounting to 90% of adult sentences.

The government’s proposal also includes tougher supervision measures for young offenders, like increased monitoring and area bans. This proposal stems from a government inquiry initiated in mid-2023 and responds to statistics from 2025, which showed 52 youths under 15 involved in murder or murder-related legal proceedings.

However, the plan has met strong criticism. Mia Edwall Insulander, Secretary General of the Swedish Bar Association, warned that lowering the criminal responsibility age could have adverse effects on children and described the move as an "experiment on children." Multiple agencies have expressed concerns about the potential negative consequences, while Strömmer acknowledged the criticism, stressing the need to balance risks with the current realities of youth crime.

With the government proceeding amid opposition, the new legislation is slated to take effect on July 1, 2026, marking a significant shift in Sweden's approach to juvenile crime and punishment.