S5 Episode 6: The Presumption of Doli Incapax - What It Means for a Child to Know Their Actions are Seriously Morally Wrong
Mar 6, 2024
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Legal expert Sharon Lacy S.C. and forensic expert Hetty de Crespigny discuss doli incapax in children, exploring complexities of forensic decisions, human rights implications, and a real-life trial example. They delve into child criminal responsibility, moral reasoning, human rights implications, and challenges in the legal system, advocating for reform proposals to improve decision-making for children.
Doli Incapax considers a child's understanding of right and wrong for criminal responsibility.
Brain development and societal perspectives shape the assessment of a child's criminal responsibility.
Deep dives
Understanding Doli Incapax in Criminal Law
Doli Incapax pertains to a child's capability to understand the seriousness of their actions. The legal premise is based on the child's ability to comprehend right from wrong. The law sets distinct age brackets like under 14 in Victoria and involves intricate considerations of a child's moral development. Courts rely on evidence to establish if a child knew their actions were morally wrong.
Brain Development and Legal Implications
Brain development plays a crucial role in assessing a child's capacity for moral reasoning and responsibility. Experts emphasize how trauma and stress can impact brain development, affecting skills like self-regulation. Understanding the nuances of developmental stages is vital, considering the impact on cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functions. The age of criminal responsibility is a contentious point, aligning neuroscience with legal frameworks.
Philosophical Underpinnings of Criminal Responsibility
Examining the philosophical foundation of criminal responsibility delves into societal contracts and the purposes of criminal law. Different perspectives, such as punitive, deterrence, and communitarian views, shape the application of criminal responsibility. The evolving age of criminal responsibility reflects shifts in societal perspectives and aligns with human rights considerations. Philosophical discussions provide insights into legal reforms and the broader ideas guiding criminal laws.
Practical Applications in the Children's Court
Navigating Doli Incapax cases in the Children's Court requires a multifaceted approach. Practitioners must balance legal arguments with considerations of brain development and social factors influencing a child's behavior. Challenges include burden shifting, funding constraints, and the practical implications of Doli Incapax arguments. It's essential to ensure a holistic approach in representing child clients and addressing the complexities of the legal and medical aspects involved.
This is a recording of session 2 of the Foley’s February Criminal Law CPD Series of 2024. In this episode, Sharon Lacy S.C. and Hetty de Crespigny touch on the law, the science and the philosophy behind doli incapax, then discusses the preparation and forensic decision making in doli incapax cases.
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