Juvenile Laws at Hungary
Hungary's juvenile justice system is designed to balance accountability with rehabilitation, aligning with both national legislation and international child rights standards.
⚖️ Age of Criminal Responsibility
Minimum Age: As of July 1, 2013, Hungary lowered the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 14 to 12 years for serious crimes such as manslaughter, assault, robbery, and despoilment, provided the child is deemed capable of understanding the consequences of their actions.
Juvenile Offenders: Individuals aged 14 to 17 are considered juveniles under Hungarian law. They are subject to a separate juvenile justice system that emphasizes education and rehabilitation over punitive measures.
🏛️ Juvenile Justice System
Specialized Juvenile Prosecutors:Hungary has designated juvenile prosecutors responsible for ensuring that legal proceedings involving minors adhere to special regulations, including the right to defense and legal representation. These prosecutors also supervise the legality of detention and treatment in juvenile facilities
Training for Judges:The National Office for the Judiciary has implemented mandatory training for judges handling family law and criminal cases involving minors. This training focuses on protecting children's interests and rights during court proceedings
Child-Centered Justice Approach: Hungary promotes a child-centered justice system that prioritizes the best interests of the child, aiming to support, help, and reintegrate children who come into conflict with the law
🏢 Juvenile Detention Facilities
Separate Juvenile Institutions Hungary maintains special juvenile correctional institutions where young offenders are completely separated from adults. These facilities are designed to focus on the development and rehabilitation of the juvenile, aiming to reintegrate them into society as responsible individual.
Conditions and Standards In juvenile correctional institutions, offenders are accommodated in living quarters rather than cells, with each person granted a minimum of five square meters of space. The facilities are equipped with study rooms, living areas, and sanitary blocks to support the juveniles' education and rehabilitatio.
🛑 Child Protection and Welfare
*Child Protection Law Amendments: Recent amendments to Hungary's Child Protection Law prohibit placing children under 12 in child protection institutions due to insufficient foster care availability. This underscores the importance of family-based care and the need for adequate support systems for children in need.
*Restorative Justice Practices: While restorative justice measures have been legally possible since 2006, their implementation has been limited. Efforts are ongoing to expand the use of restorative justice practices, including mandatory mediation in custody and family law cases.
⚖️ Legal Assistance
*Legal Representation: Children and juveniles in Hungary are entitled to legal representation during legal proceedings. Legal aid services are available to ensure that minors' rights are protected throughout the judicial proces.
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