In nearly all penal judgments, immaturity of age and imbecility of mind are favored.

Explanation

(English-origin maxim.) In criminal sentencing, youth and mental incapacity are treated as mitigating factors — the law extends greater leniency to those whose age or condition diminishes their culpability.

Where this applies

• A 14-year-old convicted of theft receives a lighter sentence than an adult would because the court takes his youth into account as a mitigating factor.
• A defendant with a severe intellectual disability is given a reduced sentence because his diminished mental capacity makes him less culpable.
• A juvenile offender is sentenced to a rehabilitation program instead of prison, because in penal judgments, immaturity of age is treated with leniency.