Italy’s cabinet approves bill reversing burden of proof for minor offenders aged 14–18

The cabinet decision

On 23 July 2026, the Italian Council of Ministers approved a bill that overhauls the rules on criminal imputability for minors aged 14 to 18. Justice Minister Carlo Nordio, speaking at a press conference after the cabinet meeting, stressed that the age of criminal responsibility remains 14 and penalties have not been toughened.

We have not lowered the age of criminal responsibility, which remains 14, and we have not increased penalties. The novelty concerns the presumption of imputability.

What the bill changes

Under the current system, set out in Article 98 of the penal code, a judge must positively ascertain, case by case, whether a minor between 14 and 18 had the capacity to understand and will at the moment of the offence. The starting point is a presumption of non-imputability. The reform flips that logic: it introduces a relative presumption of imputability, meaning the minor is considered, as a rule, capable of grasping the significance of their actions, unless the defence proves otherwise. The burden of proof shifts from the prosecution to the accused. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced the change in a video posted on social media.

Whoever makes a mistake must answer for their actions. Even when they are a minor.

Political rationale and context

Nordio described the bill as “the final piece” of a series of measures that began with the Caivano decree, adopted in response to a rise in youth crime. He noted that the existing rules date back to the fascist-era Rocco Code, when juvenile delinquency was different in quantity and quality. The government argues that the change reflects social evolution and prevents age from automatically excluding responsibility. Meloni stressed that the measure also targets adults who exploit minors as labour for illicit activities, and that repression alone is insufficient.

Firmness without alternatives is not enough, but alternatives without firmness do not solve the problem.

Opposition reaction

The bill has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, who accuse the government of undermining the educational function of juvenile justice. They argue that introducing a general presumption of imputability weakens the individualised assessment that has long characterised Italy’s minor penal system. The political clash is likely to intensify as the bill moves through parliament.

Broader package and next steps

The new bill is part of a wider crackdown on youth crime. Previous steps include arrest for minors found carrying a weapon, stricter rules on knife possession, and tougher penalties for group vandalism. Meloni acknowledged that legal changes alone cannot solve the problem, but said “some results are beginning to show, and that is why we want to persist.” The bill, which does not alter the penalty reduction for minors established by Article 98, will now be debated in parliament. The government frames it as an update to a legal framework that no longer matches the reality of juvenile offending.