A Clean Slate At 18 For Non Violent Offences What Do You Think?

[gordiescotland1]

Im not entirely sure about this
http://www.theguardian.com/law/2014/jun/19/children-criminal-past-clean-slate-18-say-mps

[jno]

good idea. Kids do some stupid things but very very few go on doing it all their lives. Give them a break.

[Gromit]

I am judging this mainly on anedotal observation.

All the borstal boys from my community who were sent away when I was young later became career criminals. I tend to believe the mould is set in early teens and if you are bad un then, then you will grow up to be a bad un.

[sandyRoe]

Does a conviction not become 'spent' after a certain period of time?

[EcclesCake]

Up it to 21 and I'll agree.......

[Baldric]

What's your opinion Gordon (OPer) or is this another Orphaned Post?

[RATTER15]

Dont agree Gromit, I knew many youngsters that were always in trouble like myself, now, nether I or any of the lads I used to hang out with now get in any trouble and all have good respectable careers.

[pixie373]

As ratter says, people (children especially) deserve a second chance, if the crime is minor. My daughter got a Youth Caution at 15, for pushing a policeman (don't ask...). She has since been diagnosed and treated for ADHD and is a different person. She will declare it- too honest not to, although i don't know whether she has to or not.

[ludwig]

// I tend to believe the mould is set in early teens and if you are bad un then, then you will grow up to be a bad un. //

If you're given a clean slate on your 18th birthday and you go out and commit a crime the next week, you'll still be punished for it.

A clean slate relates to things you've done in the past. It doesn't mean you'll get some kind of special dispensation if you decide to continue down the route of being a criminal scumbag.

'Bad uns' will continue to be treated as such.