Juvenile Laws at Guyana
Guyana's juvenile justice system has undergone significant reforms in recent years to align with international standards and better protect children's rights.
⚖️ Legal Framework
1. Juvenile Justice Act 2018
This Act replaced the outdated Juvenile Offenders Act of 1931, decriminalizing offenses such as wandering, truancy, and vagrancy. It established that no child under 12 is presumed capable of committing a criminal offense, emphasizing rehabilitation over incarceration.
2. Juvenile Justice Amendment Act 2022
Amendments passed in 2022 allow juveniles aged 14 to 18 to be charged and tried jointly with adults for serious offenses like murder, manslaughter, sexual assault, drug trafficking, arson, abduction, firearm possession, and conspiracy. The decision to charge jointly considers the offense's severity and the juvenile's involvement.
🏛️ Juvenile Courts and Procedures
1. Establishment of Juvenile Courts Plans are underway to establish specialized juvenile courts across Guyana, starting with Georgetown, These courts aim to handle juvenile cases more effectively and align with international best practices
2. Proceedings Against Juveniles The Juvenile Justice Department outlines procedures such as mandatory parental notification within 24 hours of a juvenile's arrest and the right to legal counsel. Before charging, the Director of Public Prosecutions must conduct a pre-charge screening, and the court may refer the juvenile for welfare assessments
🛡️ Child Protection Measures
The Juvenile Justice Act emphasizes diversionary measures like community service and mandates that any finding of guilt should not be recorded as a conviction, focusing on the juvenile's reintegration into societ. These reforms reflect Guyana's commitment to modernizing its juvenile justice system, prioritizing rehabilitation, and protecting children's rights in line with international convention.
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