Most Brazilians Support Lowering Criminal Age to 16, Poll Finds

Overview

• The Datafolha survey published Thursday found 79% of Brazilians favor reducing the age of criminal responsibility from 18 to 16, the lowest support level in the institute's series since 2003.
• The poll interviewed 2,004 people with a margin of error of plus or minus two percentage points and showed support varies by age and political preference.
• Younger respondents were less supportive and declared Bolsonaro voters backed the change far more than Lula voters, with 90% of Bolsonaro supporters in favor versus 70% of Lula supporters.
• A draft constitutional amendment by deputy Gonzaga Patriota cleared admissibility in the Chamber's Constitution and Justice Committee and now awaits creation of a special commission and two plenary votes requiring 308 deputies per round before going to the Senate.
• Public opinion is split on scope with 61% saying the change should apply to any crime and 39% saying it should be limited to heinous crimes, and experts warn the amendment would directly shift how 16- and 17-year-olds are treated under article 228 of the Constitution.