Can't Do The Time? China Lowers Age Of Criminal Liability To 12

China this week lowered the age of criminal responsibility for certain crimes from 14 years to 12 years as it seeks to combat offenses by children.

The amendment will see children aged 12 and older criminally liable for crimes such as homicide or "intentional injury that leads to death." Minors can be liable for "extremely cruel" acts against others that lead to serious injury or disabilities.

The new law will take effect March 1.

Less serious crimes committed by those younger than 14 will still be exempt from criminal punishment. Those convicted will be given correctional education dependent on severity.

The "abominable" crimes listed in the amendment include rape, robbery and premeditated murder. For most other offenses, the age of criminal liability will remain 14 years and older.

Recent studies showed an increase in crimes committed by juveniles. A white paper published by the Prosecutor General's Office showed a steep climb in crimes committed by children in the past two years.

Several caught public attention and lenient punishments caused anger. People called on the government to impose tougher penalties on minors who committed serious crimes.

Last year a 10-year-old girl in the northern city of Dalian was murdered by a 13-year-old boy who received a three-year correctional education sentence after conviction. Social media users generally said the convicted boy should have received a tougher sentence.