Juvenile Laws at Andorra
Juvenile laws in Andorra, a small European principality nestled between France and Spain, are designed to protect the rights and welfare of minors while ensuring accountability when children or adolescents come into conflict with the law.
Here’s an overview of juvenile justice and child protection laws in Andorra:
Juvenile Laws in Andorra: Key Points
1. Age of Criminal Responsibility
In Andorra, the minimum age of criminal responsibility is 12 years old.
Children under 12 cannot be held criminally responsible. If they commit an offense, child protection services—not the justice system—handle the case.
2. Legal Framework
Andorra's juvenile justice is based on restorative justice and rehabilitation, not punishment.
Juvenile cases are guided by:
The Qualified Law on the Jurisdiction of Minors (Llei qualificada de la jurisdicció de menors, 1999).
The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which Andorra ratified in 1996.
The Andorran Constitution, which protects children's rights and family integrity.
3. Juvenile Courts
Minors are tried in special juvenile courts with trained judges and child-focused procedures.
These courts focus on education, reintegration, and social support, rather than detention.
4. Protective and Judicial Measures
Measures available to the court include:
Supervision by social services
Counseling and psychological support
Mandatory schooling or vocational training
Community service
Placement in care institutions (used as a last resort)
Detention is rare, and only used for serious crimes or repeated offenses, and only after other alternatives are considered.
5. Rights of Minors
Juveniles have the right to:
Legal representation
Be heard in court
Access education and healthcare while in any custodial setting
Contact with their families
Parents or legal guardians are usually involved in the process.
6. Prevention and Social Services
Andorra places a strong emphasis on prevention, through:
School-based interventions
Family support services
Mental health programs
Child protection is handled by the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Andorran Police’s Juvenile Division, when needed.
Summary:
Andorra’s juvenile laws prioritize education, rehabilitation, and reintegration over punishment. The system is strongly influenced by European standards and international conventions, focusing on protecting children’s rights and ensuring their development into responsible adults.
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