Student handout — Discussion & Debate
Lowering Korea's Juvenile Crime Age: A Discussion Lesson Middle Schoolers Actually Fight Over
Should the Age Go Down to 13?
Background: In Korea, kids under 14 can't be given a criminal punishment even if they break the law. This is called chokbeopsonyeon (촉법소년). Some lawmakers want to lower the age to 13.
Vocabulary
- responsible
- punishment
- protection
- repeat offender
- rehabilitation
Pick a side and prepare 2 reasons:
| Lower the age to 13 | Keep the age at 14 |
|---|---|
| Some 13-year-olds already commit serious crimes | 13-year-olds' brains are still developing |
| Victims deserve real justice | A criminal record can ruin a young person's future |
| The law should match what's actually happening | Most kids who act out don't become adult criminals |
Discussion questions
- Should punishment depend on age, or only on what someone did?
- What is the difference between punishment and protection?
- If your friend broke a serious rule at school, should age change how they're treated?
- Vote: Lower the age / Keep it the same / Not sure. Why?