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Being treated fairly by the law

7-12

years

old

What does this mean?

Sometimes, a child might get in trouble or break a law. If they do, they should still be treated like a child and get all of their rights.

If they have to go to court, they should get help from a lawyer and they should go to a special court for children, not adults. This should be a safe, friendly space for children to be.

Children don’t just go to court if they’ve done something wrong.

Sometimes, they might have to go if their parents are breaking up, if they’ve seen a crime or had a crime happen to them, or if they’ve come to Ireland from another country and are applying to live here.

When am I held responsible for a crime in Ireland?

The United Nations says it should be 14, but Ireland’s age of criminal responsibility is 12 years old! That means children aged 12+ who have committed lots of crime, or serious crime, sometimes have to go to a detention centre.

If this happens, children still get all their other rights – like to see their family, get an education, stay safe and develop their talents and abilities.

Kate’s story

When my Mammy and Daddy were getting a divorce, I had to go into the courtroom sometimes. They had to ask me questions about my life to help them decide where it would be best for me to live most of the time. It was hard but the judges and lawyers were really nice to me. The way they talked to me, it made sense for a kid like.
Mabel’s teacher spoke with TUSLA who helped her family, so Mabel’s life at home is better, and she feels safe every day, and this helps her enjoy her other rights.

Find out what you can do when you’re not getting your rights.