The Age of Culpability

This book presents a compelling argument for leniency towards juvenile offenders based on their lack of political voice rather than psychological immaturity. The Age of Culpability challenges traditional views.

In The Age of Culpability, Gideon Yaffe explores a provocative theory of criminal responsibility that challenges conventional views on juvenile offenders. He posits that the leniency afforded to child criminals should not stem from their psychological or behavioral immaturity, but rather from their disenfranchisement in the political system. By arguing that full shares of punishment are only warranted for those who have a voice in the law-making process, Yaffe introduces a fresh perspective on the intersection of age, crime, and justice.

Yaffe delves into the nature of criminal culpability, asserting that the degree of responsibility for a crime is linked to one's ability to engage with the law. He contends that children, being denied the vote, possess weaker legal reasons to abstain from criminal acts compared to adults. This leads to the conclusion that juvenile offenders deserve lesser punishments, not due to their developmental status, but because of their political exclusion. This argument reframes the understanding of justice and accountability, emphasizing the importance of political agency in discussions of culpability.

The implications of Yaffe's theory extend beyond mere philosophical discourse; they touch on critical aspects of criminal justice policy. Issues such as the interrogation practices of minors and the rights of adult felons are examined through the lens of political enfranchisement. Ultimately, The Age of Culpability invites readers to reconsider the foundations of justice and the treatment of young offenders within the legal system.