In the debate over the growing incidence of extreme violence among children and teenagers, German Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig (SPD) opposed extending the age of criminal responsibility to younger ages.
The minister cited a murder case in Dormagen where a 14‑year‑old was allegedly stabbed to death by a 12‑year‑old. Speaking to the “Rheinische Post” in its Saturday supplement, Hubig said, “What happened is terrible and shocking. But the criminal code is not a cure‑all. We must not fall into the illusion that harsher sentences alone will deter potential offenders. In youth criminal law, I am firmly against lowering the age of criminal responsibility further”. She added that children should not be imprisoned or sent to juvenile courts. Instead, the priority should be youth welfare services and family courts. “The focus must be on supporting and educating the child so that they can be guided onto the right path. Prison is inappropriate” she emphasized.
At the same time, Hubig reiterated her demand for legal restrictions on social‑media use by children and teenagers. “We need to find ways to better protect youngsters from the harmful effects of social media, and we must act soon. Age restrictions for social media should not be taboo” she stated. She called for a comprehensive package to safeguard children and adolescents, noting that age limits would be one element among several measures.
Meanwhile, the minister announced new legislation aimed at better protecting children and adolescents in families experiencing domestic violence. She wants domestic abuse to be considered in custody and visitation decisions. “If a father beats the mother, that must be taken into account in the court’s determination of the children’s custody and visitation rights” Hubig told the newspaper. “The children suffer as well. There are no clear rules in the law today and I intend to change that. I will submit a draft law to the cabinet this spring and bring it forward as quickly as possible”.
In view of the growing backlog in the justice system, Hubig urged a swift agreement with the federal states on a new “Rule of Law Pact”. “There are now about a million open cases that prosecutors are putting on the back burner. That cannot continue” she said. The federal government has offered about €500 million for personnel and digitalisation to support new positions that will be created by the states, as the federal government cannot directly pay or employ judges and prosecutors.
Hubig acknowledged that budgetary constraints are tight both at the state and federal level. “But the rule of law must not depend on funding. It cannot be that the justice system capitulates before criminals because money is lacking” she remarked. She stated she does not expect her colleagues in the states to forgo the €500 million, and she was glad that a viable compromise seemed possible. When asked about the timing of the new Pact, she replied, “Once we reach an agreement, we will move forward as soon as possible”.
