Cambridge Neuroscientist advises on reviewing the minimum age of criminal responsibility

The Bar Council says that the age of criminal responsibility should be raised from 10 to 14

This proposal has been prepared by a panel of experts, including Cambridge Neuroscientist Professor Sarah-Jayne Blakemore who leads the Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Group in the Department of Psychology. Her group’s research focuses on the development of the social brain in adolescence, with a particular emphasis on social cognition, peer influence and sensitivity to social context.

Read the The Observer article here.

Read the full Bar Council report: Reviewing the minimum age of criminal responsibility here.

 

Source: The Bar Council report.

Posted on 01/07/2026