Criminal Justice (Engagement of Children in Criminal Activity) Bill 2023

Public bill · Government · Presented

Creates a new offence aimed at adults who pressure, trick, recruit, or help a child to take part in criminal activity. It says the adult can be punished even if the child never actually commits an offence, and it keeps the focus on adults so children are not further criminalised. It also lets courts treat these offences as serious enough, in some cases, to refuse bail, which is meant to stop further harm and protect children from being drawn into crime.

Formal long title

Bill entitled an Act to provide for offences relating to the engagement of a child in criminal activity; to amend the Bail Act 1997; and to provide for related matters.

Last updated 30 August 2024