January 21, 2015: Statement on Raising the Age of Criminal Responsibility From Glenn Lau-Kee, President of the New York State Bar Association

January 21, 2015: Statement on Raising the Age of Criminal Responsibility From Glenn Lau-Kee, President of the New York State Bar Association

1.21.2015

By Communications Department

Statement on Raising the Age of Criminal Responsibility From Glenn Lau-Kee, President of the New York State Bar Association

“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 on 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.

Contact: Lise Bang-Jensen

Director, Media Services and Public Affairs

[email protected]

518-487-5530