Young people accused of serious violent crimes often face questions about their maturity, asserts adolescent psychiatrist Marc Allroggen. This senior consultant at the Institute Outpatient Clinic and Forensics at Ulm University Hospital regularly evaluates minors following criminal offenses. Even primary school students generally grasp that harming someone with a weapon is not acceptable, according to Allroggen.
Harnessing the key elements of Jugendstrafrecht (Youth Criminal Law), German courts carefully analyze young offenders' criminal maturity. Considering their age and the existing level of maturity is essential, noting that people aged 14 to 17 are considered juveniles, and those aged 18 to 20 may still qualify if assessed as demonstrating juvenile maturity.
Assessing the intent and circumstances of the crime is crucial. Courts examine whether the young offender intended to commit the crime, such as in cases of drug use or distribution, as well as personal circumstances, including peer influence and monetary hardships. Juvenile Welfare Services, a crucial element of German youth justice, collaborates with courts to introduce rehabilitation programs tailored to each offender's needs.
Behavioral patterns and risk assessments are vital in determining a young offender's likelihood of reoffending. Interventions are then developed to aid in rehabilitation and reintegration into society. The presence of trauma or adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) is recognized as a significant factor influencing behavior. Trauma-informed practices, a cornerstone of German youth justice, help mitigate these issues.
A typical example of the significance of criminal maturity was showcased in the Offenburg case, where a 15-year-old is under suspicion for shooting his classmate, whose disability was even accounted for in his schooling. This case underscores the importance of evaluating the maturity of young offenders and considering that, even in a special needs school environment, using weapons to harm others is not tolerated.
