Will you be punished harder if you commit the same criminal offence multiple times?
So, if you commit the same criminal offence multiple times, that is called "repeat" or "recidivism" in the law. But does that mean you will be punished harder?
Well, first you have to have been punished for something before. And then you have to do something wrong again within a certain period of time. It doesn't matter if your punishment was actually carried out the first time, as long as you were convicted.
The second thing is that the new offence you commit must be a different kind of bad thing from the one you were punished for before. Unless the law says it must be the same.
Finally, it must all be according to the law. Not all repetitions are punishable, only the ones that are in the law.
So, whether you are punished more harshly depends on the situation. But the judge can always look at your previous mistakes when deciding what to do.
Remember, people under 18 cannot always be punished in the same way as adults, except when it comes to traffic offences.
OK, so human rights are rights that everyone has, like the right to be safe and the right to say what you think. They are important for all people, not just some. You know, democracy is a way of governing in which people like you and me can say what we want and use our rights. In the European Union, there is the European Parliament, and its job is to make sure everyone gets those rights.
And you know what? Now young people as young as 16 can vote for the European Parliament. That's cool, because young people also have things they care about, and they should be able to choose who stands up for those things in politics. Politics is about everything that happens in our lives, big and small.
So, it is important for young people to be involved in what happens in the world, in politics and in those human rights. When young people participate in making decisions, they see how it affects their lives and their freedom. And voting is the best way to get involved. Every vote counts!
This initiative is a collaboration with Rule of Law Day.
Do you have any other questions?
Can the police enter your dorm without your permission?
No, not normally. Your home is your place and no one should enter it without your permission. Read more here!
Can you testify anonymously against someone during a trial?
No, you cannot testify anonymously at a trial. Sometimes you can. Read more here!
Can a minister overturn or change a judge's ruling?
No, a minister cannot just change a judge's ruling. Only another judge can do so, if they think it is necessary. Read more here!