Raising the Age of Criminal Responsibility

Statement by New York State Bar Association President Glenn Lau-Kee

ALBANY, NY (01/21/2015)(readMedia)-- "The New York State Bar Association has long supported raising the age of criminal responsibility to 18. We look forward to studying Governor Cuomo's proposal.

"Every child accused of a nonviolent felony deserves a second chance. Research demonstrates-what parents intuitively know-that 16- and 17-year-old kids lack the maturity and judgment to understand the legal consequences of their actions. A criminal record at a young age can shadow a lifetime, affecting an individual's future education and employment.

"Raising the age of criminal responsibility will help all children to embark a more positive path to adulthood. Providing troubled teenagers with support and guidance can help them turn around their lives."

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The 74,000-member New York State Bar Association is the largest voluntary state bar association in the nation. It was founded in 1876.