In the debate about the rising extreme violence among children and adolescents, Federal Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig (SPD) has argued against lowering the age of criminal responsibility. She cited a murder in Dormagen in which a 14‑year‑old was allegedly stabbed to death by a 12‑year‑old. Speaking to the “Rheinische Post” on Saturday, Hubig said, “It is terrible and shocking what happened. But criminal law is not a cure‑all. We must not fall into the illusion that potential offenders can be deterred solely by harsher penalties, and then everything is fine. With youth criminal law, I am firmly opposed to further lowering the age of criminal responsibility from 14”.
Hubig stressed that children should not be sentenced to prison or a criminal court. “The legal system must respond when a child-here we are talking about people under 14-commits a serious offence. But the primary actors should be youth welfare services and family courts” she explained. “The aim should be to support and educate the child, steering them onto the right path. Prison is simply misplaced”.
At the same time, she renewed her demand for legal restrictions on social‑media use by minors. “We must find ways to better protect children and adolescents from the harmful effects of social media-and we must do so promptly. Age restrictions for social media should not be taboo” Hubig said. She called for a “coherent, comprehensive package to better protect children and adolescents-age limits among several measures”.
The minister also announced a forthcoming law to give domestic violence a central role in custody and visitation decisions. “Domestic violence should come into play when a court decides on parental and visitation rights. If a father beats his partner, that must be taken into account for any decision about children’s care” Hubig told the “Rheinische Post”. “The children suffer as well. The current law is too vague, and I intend to change that. I will submit a draft this spring and bring it to the cabinet as soon as possible”.
In light of the growing strain on the justice system, Hubig urged a rapid agreement with the states on a new “Rule‑of‑Law Pact”. With around one million pending cases piling up at prosecutors’ offices, “this cannot continue” she added. “The federal government is prepared to put about half a billion euros into staff and digitisation as a seed investment for positions that states will create-since the federal government cannot directly employ judges and prosecutors”.
Acknowledging that budget leeway is tight in both federal and state budgets, Hubig said, “Rule of law cannot depend on money. Justice must not capitulate to criminals merely because cash is scarce. I do not expect state colleagues to forgo a half‑billion‑euro contribution, and I am pleased that we are already discussing a viable compromise”. When asked about the timing of the new pact, she answered, “When we reach an agreement. Preferably as soon as possible”.