Considering the numbers of children and adolescents in conflict with the law, there is a concern about the ways in which they are being dealt with in the criminal justice system. This paper examines issues relating to the minimum age of criminal responsibility, the differences across countries, and the broad principles and international guidelines in this regard. Additionally, the rebuttable presumption of doli incapax, which is included in many legal systems, is discussed. This is done specifically with concerns regarding the psychological evaluation of criminal capacity, considering the lack of valid and reliable measures, as well as the vagueness of the concept of criminal capacity. An examination of the neurodevelopment evidence in relation to children’s criminal behaviour, risk taking, and impulse control are discussed. The latest research evidence raises doubt about the extent to which adolescents can be held criminally responsible. The responsibility of expert witnesses to enlighten courts on this matter is crucial to avoid unnecessarily criminalising children and adolescents who may not have the requisite capacity to be held criminally liable.

中文翻译：

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刑事责任的最低年龄，国际差异和神经发育的双重系统模型

考虑到触犯法律的儿童和青少年的数量，人们对在刑事司法系统中如何处理他们的方法表示关注。本文研究了与最低刑事责任年龄，各国之间的差异以及这方面的广泛原则和国际准则有关的问题。此外，还讨论了许多法律体系中都包含的可辩驳的无能力犯罪推定。考虑到缺乏对犯罪能力的心理评估，缺乏有效和可靠的措施以及对犯罪能力概念的含糊不清，特别是这样做。讨论了与儿童的犯罪行为，冒险精神和冲动控制有关的神经发育证据的检查。最新的研究证据使人们怀疑青少年可被追究刑事责任的程度。专家证人有责任在此问题上向法院启迪，对于避免不必要地将可能没有刑事责任的必要能力的儿童和青少年定为刑事犯罪至关重要。