French poll shows 77% back suspending minority sentencing discount for serious crimes

A new opinion poll published Thursday indicates that 77% of French citizens favor suspending the legal principle that automatically reduces prison sentences for minors convicted of serious offenses. The CSA Institute survey, conducted for CNEWS, Le Journal du Dimanche and Europe 1, found only 22% opposed the measure, with 1% undecided.

Current Law and Its Critics

Under existing French legislation, the "excuse of minority" principle caps juvenile sentences at half the duration an adult would receive for an identical crime. The rule applies regardless of the offense's severity or the perpetrator's age proximity to majority. Proponents of suspension argue the automatic discount undermines both deterrence and justice in cases involving violent crimes.

Broad Demographic Consensus

Support for suspending the rule cuts across gender, age and socioeconomic lines—registering 79% among men and 74% among women. Approval ranges from 70% among 18-24-year-olds to 84% among citizens aged 50-64. Unemployed respondents and lower socio-professional groups recorded 77% backing each, with higher categories at 75%.

Political Divide Emerges

While overall support is substantial, political affiliation reveals significant divergence. Left-leaning respondents favor suspension at 66%—with La France Insoumise voters at 78% and Socialist Party supporters at 66%—but only 40% of Greens voters agree. On the right, backing surges to 89%, encompassing strong majorities among Republicans and National Rally adherents.

Legislative Context

Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin recently acknowledged that abolishing the minority excuse would require constitutional amendment, noting current parliamentary arithmetic renders such reform unlikely before a future presidential election. Meanwhile, lawmakers began debating a separate bill on Feb. 4, introduced by former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, aimed at tightening juvenile justice procedures.