The Legislation Committee of the Chamber of Deputies recommended on Tuesday the acceptance of the Senate's ratification, advancing the definitive approval of the reform that toughens criminal sanctions for adolescents who commit serious offenses. The favorable opinion was issued after the Senate insisted on its position, following an initial rejection in the Lower House.
If approved on the floor, the reform amends article 207 of Law No. 1,680/2001, raising the maximum limit of custodial sentences from the current 8 years to 15 years, in exceptional circumstances. To apply the maximum sentence, the judge must strictly justify the seriousness of the case and rely on a prior interdisciplinary technical assessment of the adolescent's profile.
The bill originated in the Senate and went through a complex debate between the two legislative chambers. After initial approval in the Senate and rejection in the Chamber, the Upper House ratified its position, leading the Legislation Committee to recommend acceptance. Now, the floor of the Chamber of Deputies will have the final say on the future of juvenile criminal justice in the country.