ICCPR Article 15

You cannot be punished under a new rule for old conduct

A child can challenge punishment under an offence or penalty that did not exist when the conduct happened.

How you can use it

1. 1Tell your lawyer the date of the conduct and the date of the new rule.
2. 2Say: “Please challenge any backdated punishment.”
3. 3Ask for the decision in writing.

What a violation looks like

A child is punished under a criminal penalty that did not apply when the conduct occurred.

Words you can use

“I should not be punished under a rule that did not exist then.”

If speaking is hard, write it, draw it, send a message, or ask a trusted adult to say it with you.