How Many Years Can a Person Be in Prison for Murder Under the Age of 18?
Legal systems apply different sanctions according to the age of individuals who commit crimes. In Turkey, crimes committed by individuals under the age of 18 are evaluated within the framework of the Child Protection Law and the Turkish Penal Code (TCK). In this article, we will examine in detail the penal sanctions that individuals under the age of 18 may face if they commit murder.
Criminal Liability of Child and Young Offenders
According to the Turkish Penal Code, the age of individuals who commit crimes directly affects criminal liability. Individuals under the age of 18 are legally divided into two groups:
Under 12 Years: According to TCK Article 31/1, children who have not reached the age of 12 are not criminally responsible and no penal sanctions are imposed. However, rehabilitation and social service support can be provided within the scope of child protection measures.
Between 12-15 Years: According to TCK Article 31/2, whether children in this age group understand the crimes they commit is evaluated by the court. If the child can comprehend the legal meaning and consequences of the crime, the sentence is applied with a reduced sentence.
Between the Ages of 15-18: According to Article 31/3 of the Turkish Penal Code, young people in this age group are subject to lower sentences compared to adults. However, serious prison sentences may be possible in the case of serious crimes.
The Sentence of an Individual Under the Age of 18 Who Commits the Crime of Murder
In Case of Life Imprisonment:
If an adult is sentenced to life imprisonment for the crime of murder, this sentence is converted to 12 to 15 years of imprisonment for individuals between the ages of 15-18.
For individuals between the ages of 12-15, this sentence is applied as a prison sentence of 7 to 12 years.
In the Case of Aggravated Life Imprisonment:
Aggravated life imprisonment normally requires life in prison, but is reduced to 18 years for individuals between the ages of 15-18, and 10 to 15 years for those between the ages of 12-15.
Sentence Reduction and Alternative Practices
For individuals under the age of 18, courts also consider psychological, sociological and economic factors when assessing criminal responsibility.
In order to provide education and social integration, they may be ordered to complete part of their sentence in child education centers or in the probation system.
Committing murder by individuals under the age of 18 results in serious legal sanctions. However, lighter sentences are applied considering the age factor. In Turkey, criminal processes for child and young offenders are organized with the aim of reintegrating them into society.
