Adoption of the proposed law on juvenile justice: a reform contested but supported by the government

On Thursday, February 13, 2025, the National Assembly adopted in first reading the proposed law by Gabriel Attal aimed at toughening juvenile justice. This text, supported by the government and introduced by the former Prime Minister turned deputy, was adopted by 125 votes to 58. It introduces several measures intended to strengthen judicial authority in response to juvenile delinquency, particularly the creation of an immediate appearance procedure for minors aged 16 and older involved in serious offenses, as a response to the urban violence of the summer of 2023.

Toughened sanctions and controversial measures

This reform, largely supported by the majority, also includes tougher sanctions for the parents of delinquent minors. A juvenile judge could impose civil fines on parents who fail to respond to summonses related to hearings. In addition, the text introduces measures to limit the mitigation of sentences, except when justified by the judge, for minors aged 16 and older, who are repeat offenders or perpetrators of serious crimes.

However, the proposed law has been strongly criticized by the left, who sees these measures as a repressive drift and believes they could exacerbate juvenile delinquency. Socialist deputy Sandrine Runel, in particular, condemned the idea of punishing parents and increasing youth incarceration, arguing that prison only fuels delinquency. Gabriel Attal, for his part, defended the law as a necessary response to rising violence, stressing that the law needed to “strengthen the penal arsenal” against “juvenile delinquents.”

The text could be further toughened when it is reviewed in the Senate. The Minister of Justice, Gérald Darmanin, has announced his intention to introduce new measures, such as extending curfews for delinquent minors, or increasing the use of electronic bracelets. The reform may also include the introduction of lay juries to judge offenses committed by minors.