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3d ago

Brazil Advances Plan to Lower Criminal‑Responsibility Age as Poll Shows 80% Support

Strong public backing coupled with a recent committee vote forces lawmakers to resolve competing 14‑versus‑16 proposals that will determine the Senate’s security amendment

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Maioridade penal: A origem dos 18 anos que Lula e Flávio querem mudar
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Overview

  • The Chamber of Deputies' Constitution and Justice Commission approved a constitutional amendment to reduce the age of criminal responsibility, with a 44–18 vote on October 10, advancing the bill to further committee work before a plenary vote.
  • A Datafolha poll published Saturday found 80% of Brazilians favor lowering the age from 18 to 16, a result that has intensified political maneuvering and reshaped campaign messaging.
  • President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said Thursday he supports lowering the age to 16 for heinous crimes, a position that has split his party and diluted the opposition’s advantage on security policy.
  • Senators have proposed conflicting amendments — some seeking 16 for most crimes and 14 for serious offenses — and Senate President Davi Alcolumbre removed the security PEC from the agenda because lawmakers could not reach agreement.
  • Debate includes international comparisons and evidence on effects of lowering the age, with UNICEF and the UN rights committee urging higher minimums and a University of Aarhus study cited showing a temporary age cut raised reoffending in Denmark, all of which inform policy and human‑rights concerns as Congress decides next steps.