When does the new Juvenile Criminal Law come into effect

The Senate signed the new Juvenile Criminal Regime into law and, with it, the age of accountability in Argentina will drop from 16 to 14 years. The approval was given by 44 affirmative votes, 27 negative votes and one abstention, after an extensive debate that once again exposed two opposing views on how to deal with crime committed by minors

.

However, the rule will not begin to take effect immediately. The approved text states that the law will take effect 180 days after its publication in the Official Gazette. In other words, once formally enacted and published by the Executive Branch, a period of six months will open for its effective implementation throughout the country

.

The reform modifies the regime in force since 1980 and creates a specialized juvenile penal system for adolescents between 14 and 18 years old. The stated objective is to guarantee age-appropriate judicial processes, with specific bodies and centers, and with the express prohibition of minors sharing judicial or prison

environments with adults.

The new scheme introduces principles such as legality, proportionality and exceptional deprivation of liberty. For crimes with minor penalties, alternative measures are envisaged, such as community work, damage repair, movement restrictions, electronic monitoring, juvenile criminal mediation and suspension of probationary proceedings. The prison is reserved for serious crimes and with strict time limits.

In addition, the standard includes educational, labor and recreational programs to promote social reintegration. The figure of a specialized judicial supervisor is incorporated to monitor each case and housing standards are established that guarantee access to education, health, culture and recreation

.

During the debate, the ruling party defended the initiative as a necessary update in the face of a regime considered obsolete and discretionary. He also noted that the age of 14 already applies in several countries in the region. Since Kirchnerism, on the other hand, they positioned themselves in the defense of criminals

seeking their impunity.

The law also gives victims a central role, with the right to legal and psychological assistance, participation in hearings and the possibility of intervening in restorative instances.