Juvenile Laws at French Polynesia (France)
French Polynesia, an overseas collectivity of France, adheres to the French legal system, which includes specific provisions for juvenile justice.
Age of Criminal Responsibility:
In French Polynesia, the age of criminal responsibility is 13. Minors under this age cannot be held legally responsible for criminal actions.
Juvenile Justice System:
Juvenile cases are handled by specialized courts, including the juvenile justice judge, the children's tribunal, and the Cour d’assises des mineurs. The juvenile justice judge deals with contraventions and délits, primarily ordering educational measures. The children's tribunal addresses crimes committed by minors under sixteen, with the authority to impose sentences or order placement in specialized institutions. The Cour d’assises des mineurs adjudicates the most serious offenses committed by minors over sixteen.
Detention Facilities:
French Polynesia has a prison population of approximately 575 individuals, with juveniles/minors constituting about 0.4% of the prison population. There are two establishments with an official capacity of 560, resulting in an occupancy level of 102.7%.
Corporal Punishment:
While corporal punishment is prohibited in schools and penal institutions, it remains lawful in the home under the English common law defense of "reasonable chastisement."
Recent Developments:
In September 2023, a round table discussion on juvenile justice was held in Suva, Fiji, bringing together experts from various organizations. Organized by Inspire Pacific, with support from the Government of New Caledonia and the Pacific Fund, the event aimed to establish action plans for rehabilitating young offenders and preventing recidivism.
Notable Cases:
In 2012, a retired French school teacher was sentenced to 10 years in prison in French Polynesia for raping four boys. The case highlighted the region's commitment to addressing child abuse and serving justice.
In summary, French Polynesia's juvenile justice system aligns with French legal standards, emphasizing specialized judicial processes and a focus on rehabilitation. Ongoing efforts continue to address challenges and improve the system's effectiveness.
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