noun
juvenile offender under 14; minor who has committed a crime but is below the age of criminal responsibility
Legal term under Japanese Juvenile Law. Refers to a child under 14 who has violated a criminal law but cannot be held criminally responsible; instead, they are subject to protective measures.
14歳未満の触法少年は、刑事責任を問われない。
A juvenile offender under 14 cannot be held criminally responsible.
触法少年の事件は家庭裁判所に送致される。
Cases involving juvenile offenders under 14 are referred to the family court.
Compound of 触法 (shokuhō, 'violation of the law') and 少年 (shōnen, 'juvenile'). The term is a legal classification used in Japan's Juvenile Law.