LOWERING THE AGE OF CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY IN BRAZIL

Abstract

This article discusses the controversial proposal to reduce the age of criminal responsibility in Brazil, currently set at 18 years by the Federal Constitution. The analysis is based on a historical-legal perspective, highlighting the evolution of legislation that deals with the criminal responsibility of children and adolescents, as well as the arguments for and against the change. Defenders of the reduction claim that it would combat impunity and reduce crime, while critics point out that this measure would represent a setback in children's rights, in addition to failing to address the structural causes of violence, such as social inequality, lack of access to education, and economic exclusion. The work also highlights that the Brazilian prison system, already overloaded and inefficient, does not favor the rehabilitation of young people, and may even increase their recidivism in crime. In contrast to the reduction proposal, the study defends the strengthening of public policies aimed at youth, such as quality education, social inclusion and crime prevention programs. The research seeks to examine the possibilities and implications of lowering the age of criminal responsibility, evaluating the arguments in favor of this measure, while considering the opposing points of view, using a deductive research method and a qualitative documentary approach.