Under 18 should not get life sentence for murder for being at a crime scene.
I urge the government to reform laws that allow under-18s to receive life sentences for crimes they did not commit. Being present at a crime scene should not equal guilt. Young people lack full maturity, and punishing them as adults without clear responsibility is unjust.
Signatures
6
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 6/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 6/100,000
- 27 APR 2026Petition rejectedduplicate
We believe this petition is about joint enterprise charges and convictions. On that basis, we have a petition just opened that allows for automatic appeals against life sentences under joint enterprise, which you may wish to sign: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/764318
- 21 MAR 2026Petition created
Background
The government must change the law so under-18s cannot receive life sentences unless they directly committed the crime. Courts should be required to prove individual intent and actions, not just presence. Introduce mandatory case reviews for young offenders and prioritise rehabilitation over extreme punishment. Ensure sentencing is fair, evidence-based, and proportionate.