Compos Mentis is one amongst the other significant elements in establishing
criminal accountability. Mental ability and discernment are developed as an
individual grows and attains a specific age which enables him to determine the
difference between right and wrong prior to committing any act. Considering the
age to establish the criminal intent implies an assessment of criminal liability
of a juvenile.
Criminal jurisprudence affirms to the absence of criminal liability or
accountability in a human below age criteria. The term juvenile is defined as
anyone who is declared as minor or below a certain age. However, the age
criteria vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, wherein in most countries, it
is below 18 years of age, and in some, it is 20 years. In accordance with the
juvenile justice system, adults and juveniles are prosecuted under different
judicial procedures, due to the absence of criminal intent in a juvenile's
criminal act. It is believed that a minor is incapable of possessing the mens
rea to commit a crime which is also referred to as "Doli Incapax".
The Rehabilitation of Juvenile Law ensures the betterment of juveniles and
entails provisions which will enhance their growth and to educate them and allow
them to understand the value of social life, subject to that the resolution is
passed on the basis of confirmation received from the committee.
Last, but not the least, Federal Law Number 3 of 1976, UAE Penal Code under
Article 62 states that no criminal action can be filed against an individual who
at the time of committing any act was below the age of 7 years. Importantly, the
age of the minor shall be determined by an official deed, and if it is not
available, a special physician shall be an appointment for determining the age
of the child through technical means. The concerned provision explicitly bars
any criminal action against a child less than the age of 7 years.
The provision is in accordance with the principles of Sharia wherein; it is
agreed that a child below the age of 7 years does not possess consciousness and
will to commit any crime. However, the public prosecution or the appropriate
committee may order the child for proper education and recreational remedies for
his growth and behaviour.
On the contrary, children above the age of 7 years but less than 16 years, shall
be prosecuted according to the provisions of Juveniles Law as mentioned under
Article 63 of the Penal Code. The law further states that the age of the child
will be ascertained from the civil register on the day of committing any crime
and not on the day of presenting him before the appropriate authority.
International Recognition
Internationally, the juvenile system also considers the age of the juvenile who
committed the crime and has laid down measures to safeguard the interest of the
juveniles. Consequently, several countries have imposed legislation protecting
the children from abuse of law. Innumerable international conventions and
guidelines have been issued by international organizations providing the basis
for several countries juvenile legal framework, which are as follows:
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