What makes a good argument in a debate?

Giving reasons and evidence, and responding to the other side

Young people and the law

The law treats you differently as you grow up. Some rights and responsibilities start at particular ages.

Key Stage 3
About 15 minutes

Criminal responsibility

The age of criminal responsibility is the age at which a person can be charged with a crime.
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland it is 10. In Scotland it is 12.
Young people aged 10 to 17 who are charged with crimes are usually dealt with in a youth court, which is less formal than adult courts.

Some legal ages in England

Some legal ages in England:

Ages for England. Some differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Age	What the law says
13	The youngest age for most part-time jobs (with limits on hours)
16	You can leave school, but you must stay in education or training until 18
17	You can start learning to drive a car on the road, with a provisional licence
18	You can vote in UK general elections, buy alcohol and get a tattoo

Why different ages?

Laws set ages because people gain experience and judgement as they grow up.
People often debate where the line should be. For example, people disagree about whether the age of criminal responsibility should be higher, and whether 16 and 17 year olds should vote in all UK elections.
In a debate, give reasons and evidence, and listen to the other side.

Worked example

A 12 year old in England damages a bus shelter on purpose. Can they be charged with a crime?

The age of criminal responsibility in England is 10.
12 is above 10, so they can be held responsible for a crime.
As they are under 18, the case would usually go to a youth court.

Answer: Yes. They are over 10, so they can be charged; the case would usually be heard in a youth court.

Key idea

The age of criminal responsibility is 10 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and 12 in Scotland. Young people aged 10 to 17 usually go to a youth court. In England you must stay in education or training until 18.

Key words

Age of criminal responsibility: The age from which a person can be charged with a crime: 10 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and 12 in Scotland.
Responsibility: Something you are expected to do, such as obey the law and respect the rights of others.

All KS3 Citizenship key terms and definitions →

Common mistakes

Not “16”. 16 is the voting age for Scottish Parliament and Senedd elections, not UK general elections.

Quick check

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Extra practice

2 more questions

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In England and Wales, from what age can a child be charged with a crime?
Show the answer
Answer: 10 years
It is 10 years old.
In Scotland, what is the minimum age at which a child can be prosecuted for a crime?
Show the answer
Answer: 12 years
In Scotland it is 12 (raised from 8 in 2021).

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Sources and references

Checked by the GCSE-ready editorial team, 16 October 2026. Last updated 2 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us and we will fix it.