Criminal Responsibility of Minors: Comparative Law Study Romania – Ukraine – Republic of Moldova

Abstract

This article provides a comparative legal analysis of the criminal responsibility of minors in Romania, Ukraine, and the Republic of Moldova, focusing on the key legal aspects: the legal object, the material object, the objective element, and the subjective element of the crimes committed by minors.
The study examines the minimum age of criminal responsibility, which varies between 14 and 16 years depending on the country and the gravity of the crime. It also explores the legal framework regulating the prosecution and sentencing of minors, emphasizing the role of discernment and rehabilitation-oriented measures.
The research highlights common principles, such as the prioritization of educational and corrective measures over punitive sanctions, while identifying differences in the application of detention and alternative sanctions. The findings suggest that all three legal systems aim to balance juvenile justice with social reintegration, aligning with international human rights standards.