Types of Juvenile Criminal Sanctions

Abstract

Children are the future of society, and therefore, protecting them and ensuring their continued existence as individuals beneficial to society is another responsibility of the law. Applying the same level of penalties as adults to juveniles who are drawn to crime, who are not raised in safe environments, and who, due to their age, are not subject to legal proceedings, would be unjust, both sociologically and legally. In this regard, many forms of juvenile criminal sanctions used across various legal systems. Aiming to reintegrate young people into society and accepting their developmental differences from adults, juvenile justice systems usually stress rehabilitation over punishment. Distinguishes between non-custodial and custodial punishments including warnings, probation, community service, diversion programs, and imprisonment. It also looks at elements affecting the decision of penalties, like the degree of the violation, offender age, and past criminal record. This comparative study shows how many countries strike a balance between responsibility and safeguarding of children’s rights. This paper provides an in-depth examination of specific the examples drawn from several countries, namely Bosnia and Herzegovina, Turkey, and Italy. Through this exploration, the study brings to light both the shared principles and the distinct methodologies that are employed in these nations to address youth-related legal issues. Ultimately, this comprehensive analysis argues that several key factors are of paramount importance for the successful reduction of recidivism and the effective social reintegration of young people. The study emphasizes the critical need for a focus on meaningful and effective rehabilitation strategies and the necessity of providing robust and consistent funding to child welfare systems.