Córdoba approved a new Juvenile Criminal Procedure law with harsher penalties

The Legislature of Córdoba passed a new Juvenile Criminal Procedure law this Wednesday, which establishes the application of institutional safeguard measures for minors under 16 who have committed serious crimes. The adolescents covered by the law will be housed in a special area within the Complejo Esperanza, with containment and monitoring measures.

The project received broad support in the chamber, with backing from the ruling party, Juntos por el Cambio, and other opposition sectors, while leftist legislator Luciana Echevarría and dissident Justicialist Federico Alesandri voted against it.

Key points of the new regulation

The new law establishes that when a minor under 16 commits a serious crime, the Juvenile Criminal Judge may:

• Archive the case, if it is considered that their age excludes them from criminal responsibility.
• Order socio-educational measures, to address the case without deprivation of liberty.
• Order institutional safeguard, in exceptional situations and for up to three months, with the possibility of a 90-day extension.

In cases of serious crimes, such as homicide, aggravated robbery with weapons, or serious injuries, the judge must involve the Juvenile Criminal Prosecutor, who will verify the existence of the act and the minor's involvement.

An exclusive space in the Complejo Esperanza

The institutional safeguard in Córdoba means that the adolescent can't leave on their own, remaining at the disposal of the Justice system in a special sector of the Complejo Esperanza. The objective is to ensure progressive measures for social reintegration, avoiding direct entry into the penitentiary system.

From the ruling party, legislator Miguel Siciliano explained that the initiative seeks to provide tools to the Justice system and the Executive to effectively address the problem of minors in conflict with the law.

"While in the National Congress the reduction of the age of criminal responsibility is being discussed, in Córdoba we are advancing with concrete solutions for an urgent problem," said Siciliano.

Incorporation of a Coordination and Monitoring Board

At the request of the Unión Cívica Radical (UCR),  the law provides for the creation of a Coordination and Monitoring Board, composed of representatives from the Executive, the Legislative, the Judiciary, and the academic field.

Opposition legislator Brenda Austin highlighted the importance of this instance: "We will closely monitor the implementation of the law to ensure it has the necessary funding and that effective support measures are implemented."

Positions for and against

From the opposition, Juecista Nancy Almada supported the project, albeit with reservations:  "We support it only if reintegration is guaranteed. We can't continue living in fear that a minor with nothing to lose will commit a crime."

On the other hand, leftist legislator Luciana Echevarría rejected the initiative and blamed the provincial government: "This system seeks to separate and marginalize young people. They are not given a real opportunity for integration."

A heated debate in the Legislature

The session had moments of high tension. The ruling party imposed a change in the Internal Regulations with the vote of Vice Governor Myrian Prunotto, which sparked shouts from the opposition, who denounced censorship and lack of debate.

Additionally, several legislators attempted to speed up the processing of the law to make it in time for the Talleres match, which led to clashes in the chamber.

Despite the controversies,  the new Juvenile Criminal Procedure is now law in Córdoba and its prompt implementation is expected to address cases of juvenile offenders in the province.