Tougher approach urged on juvenile offenders

Chen Xingliang, a law professor at Peking University, said earlier this year that lowering the age of criminal responsibility blindly may lead to younger offenders being given penalties "not suited to their psychological health".

Li Meijin, a professor specializing in criminal psychology at the Chinese People's Public Security University, said solving the problem should not be based on lowering the age, adding that a better way would be to clarify the judicial system and toughen corrective measures for minors through related laws.

Xian Tieke, another member of the NPC Standing Committee, said the most important thing is to add a chapter to the draft revision on how to educate and correct offenders under 14.

Lyu Wei, also a NPC Standing Committee member, called for those revising the law on the prevention of juvenile delinquency to strengthen the responsibilities of families or guardians, urging them to help problematic children abide by the law.

On Oct 21, the draft revision was submitted to the bimonthly session of the NPC Standing Committee for the first review. Under the Legislation Law, a draft must be deliberated three times by the top legislative body before it can be adopted.