Explanation
Juvenile justice encompasses legal rules, institutions, and practices for addressing crime committed by young people. It differs from adult criminal justice by emphasizing education, rehabilitation, and protection over punishment. Key features include age-based thresholds of criminal responsibility, juvenile courts, and diversion programs. The aim is to prevent stigmatization and support reintegration.
Theoretical Reference
Juvenile justice is shaped by debates between punitive and rehabilitative approaches. Labeling theories warn of the dangers of stigmatizing young offenders, while socialization theories emphasize the developmental context of delinquency.