The impacts of the age of majority on the exposure to violent crimes

This research evaluates the impact of the criminal majority law by analyzing the distribution of homicide victims with ages close to 18 years from roughly 20,000 Police Reports of the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. Considering young men, we find an increase in the density of murders after the age of criminal responsibility. Supposing that participation in criminal activities increases the probability of being a victim of violent crimes, especially among young men, our results are the opposite of what is expected with the increase in punishment. We outline data suggesting that the changes in lifestyle and the worsening of socioeconomic conditions after the age of 18 may offset the deterrence effect due to increases in risk behavior and relative gains of criminal activities. Finally, we estimate the offenders' ages to evaluate the effects of lowering the age of criminal responsibility (in 2 years), based on the relationship between the victims and perpetrators and simulating hypothetical age differences among them. At most, 9% of all the murderers and 3% of femicide perpetrators would have more severe sentences. Overall, the results indicate that a reduction in the age of criminal responsibility would not deter criminal activities and would target a small share of criminals.

Automated summary

This research evaluates the impact of the criminal majority law and finds that there is an increase in murders among young men after the age of criminal responsibility. Contrary to expectations, the study suggests that changes in lifestyle and worsening socioeconomic conditions might offset the deterrent effect of punishment. Additionally, the study estimates the effects of lowering the age of criminal responsibility and concludes that it would only target a small share of criminals.