Overview
- The French National Assembly passed Gabriel Attal's juvenile justice reform bill with 125 votes in favor and 58 against on February 13, 2025.
- Key measures include immediate court appearances for minors aged 16 and older for serious offenses and limiting the automatic reduction of sentences for repeat offenders in this age group.
- Legal professionals and child advocates criticize the reforms for prioritizing punitive measures over educational principles established in post-war juvenile justice frameworks.
- Opponents highlight significant resource shortages in the juvenile justice system, including a lack of educators, judges, and facilities, as the root issue not addressed by the legislation.
- The reforms have drawn support from centrist, right-wing, and far-right parties, while left-wing groups and experts warn of potential negative consequences for young offenders and their rehabilitation.