Home / United States / War crimes / child soldiers
War crimes / child soldiersPossibly — unconfirmed
Possibly — unconfirmed
Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
§ 2441 — War crimesPossibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- Life or any term of years; death results → death penalty also available
- Fine
- Per § 3571 cap (see fine-cap note)
§ 2442 — Recruitment / use of child soldiersPossibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0 (no mandatory prison) – 20 years; death results → fine + any term of years up to life
- Fine
- Per § 3571 cap (see fine-cap note)
0 = the law sets no minimum prison term. The court is not required to impose prison. Depending on the offence, jurisdiction, and case, it may instead impose a non-custodial sentence — e.g. a suspended sentence, community order / probation, a fine, or a discharge.
Source
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is
not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors, plea, discretion. If you face a real
charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.