JHR (Jurnal Hukum Replik)
Vol 13 No 2 (2025): Jurnal Hukum Replik

Too Old to Punish? Reconsidering Rechterlijk Pardons for Elderly Offenders

Angga Angga (Faculty of Law, Universitas Negeri Semarang)
Muhammad Azil Maskur (Faculty of Law, Universitas Diponegoro)
Ridwan Arifin (Faculty of Law, Universitat de Barcelona)
Muhammad Nuruddin Ahmad Zaki (Faculty of Law, University of Birmingham)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Nov 2025

Abstract

The introduction of rechterlijk pardon (judicial pardon) within the reformed Criminal Code represents a significant legislative shift toward mitigating the punitive burden on elderly offenders. This study explores the intersection of judicial leniency and restorative justice, evaluating how the suspension of imprisonment can facilitate the rehabilitation of the perpetrator while addressing the victim's needs. Utilizing a normative juridical method with a qualitative approach, the research analyzes primary legal instruments—specifically the new Indonesian Criminal Code—alongside secondary legal literature and comparative jurisprudence. Data validity is ensured through theoretical and source triangulation. The findings indicate that while the current legal framework explicitly permits judicial pardon for offenders aged 75 and over, a gap exists regarding those under this threshold who suffer from age-related physical and psychological decline. The study argues that the application of rechterlijk pardon should not rely solely on chronological age but should integrate restorative justice principles to achieve “win-win” outcomes. This research contributes to the discourse on geriatric criminology and legislative reform by proposing a more nuanced, health-based criteria for judicial discharge. It offers a framework for judges to balance statutory requirements with the human rights of elderly defendants, advocating for a restorative model that moves beyond mere incarceration toward social reintegration.

Copyrights © 2025






Journal Info

Abbrev

replik

Publisher

Subject

Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice

Description

The aim Jurnal Hukum Replik is venue for academicians, researchers, and practitioners for publishing their original research articles or review articles. The scope of the articles published in this journal deals with a broad range of topics in the fields of constitutional law, criminal law, civic ...