JUVENILE LAWS: A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

AUTHOR – SANJAMPREET SINGH, STUDENT AT RIZVI LAW COLLEGE, MUMBAI

Best Citation – SANJAMPREET SINGH, JUVENILE LAWS: A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE, ILE LEGAL REVIEW (ILE LR), 1 (1) of 2023, Pg. 37-44, APIS – 3920 – 0042 | ISBN – 978-81-964391-3-2.

Abstract

This research paper offers a comparative review of international viewpoints on juvenile legislation, concentrating on how various nations approach the handling of juvenile offenders and their legal rights. The nations are Australia, Canada, England and Wales, Hong Kong, Hungary, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Russia, and the Federal Republic of Germany. This study investigates the similarities, disparities, and changing patterns in juvenile justice systems by looking at a variety of nations from diverse regions, including both developed and developing countries. An introduction gives a general overview of the pertinent concerns. Important factors include the criminal responsibility age, alternative sentencing schemes, sentencing alternatives, rehabilitation possibilities, and the harmony between punishment and welfare. The discussion also mentions how each nation’s definition of what makes a juvenile or young offender reflects its unique cultural, historical, political, and social characteristics, which can make national comparisons difficult. Additionally, the care of juveniles can be explained using any one of the following six models. The models are not mutually exclusive, the differences between certain nations are not as stark as their titles might suggest, and nations like Australia and Canada have various models depending on the jurisdiction in which they are used. The participative model is used in Japan. The welfare model is utilised in Australia and the Netherlands. The corporation model is used in Wales, England, and Hong Kong. The modified justice model is used in Canada. The justice model is used in Russia, the Netherlands, and Italy. The crime control model is used in the US and Hungary. It also discusses the difficulties and opportunities involved in putting into practice effective juvenile justice policies that put the needs of young offenders and society at large first.

Keywords: delinquency, rights, justice, Juvenile-offender, age