[Dakmar]

I'm mostly debating on philosophical rather than practical grounds here, but since the purpose of the law is to protect minors from their lack of judgement, should they be punished for failing to exercise good judgement when they break the law that was meant to protect them? It's sort of a weird paradox.

[Gabz]

I see where you're coming from with your paradox.

However.................

From the time these kids are in kindergarten they ar being "brainwashes" about the evils of smoking, the evils of the tobacco industry and how to disrespect adults who do choose to smoke.

Sorry - I don't think there is a 10 year old, let alone a 16yo, in this country that is not aware that tobacco is bad and it is illegal for them to try and buy it.