16/01/2020
LEARN MORE BEFORE YOU JUDGE.
Yatu Generations Voices a voice for the voiceless.
CHILDREN LEGAL DESK.
What do you do when a child commits a crime?
Before you think of detention you must know the age at which a child can be judged for an offence.
The minimum age of criminal responsibility in Zambia is 8 eight years. However it can be proven that, at the the time of doing the act, the Child had to do the act or make omission, in which case the minimum age of responsibility is 12 year's.
Let's begin.
*A process known as Diversion shall be considered in all cases involving a child offender, provided there is sufficient evidence for criminal charges to be laid, the Child freely admits to committing the offence, the Child and parent's freely consent to the nature, content and duration of the diversion measure; and the Child and their parents fully understand the consequences of failure to comply with the diversion measure.
Incase you are a guardian or parent who has a Child who has been found in conflict with the law you must also learn that use of detention is a last resort. The Juveniles Act prohibits children (those aged under 16 years) being sentenced to imprisonment. It also provides that young persons (those aged under 19 years) shall not be sentenced to imprisonment where they can be reasonably dealt with in another suitable manner.
Where do you go for help?
To be discussed in the next edition.