Juvenile Laws at Kiribati
Kiribati has established a juvenile justice system through the Juvenile Justice Act 2015, aiming to provide a structured approach to handling minors in conflict with the law.
⚖️ Legal Framework
Age of Criminal Responsibility: According to the Kiribati Criminal Code, a person under the age of 10 years is not criminally responsible for any act or omission. For individuals aged 10 to 13 years, criminal responsibility exists only if it is proven that, at the time of the act, they had the capacity to understand that their actions were wrong.
Juvenile Justice Act 2015: This Act outlines procedures for juvenile courts dealing with individuals aged 14 to 17 years. It emphasizes community-based punishments over incarceration, aiming to keep young offenders out of adult prisons. The Act also empowers juvenile courts to order parents or guardians to pay fines, damages, or costs imposed on the child.
🏛 Juvenile Court Procedures
Establishment of Juvenile Courts:The Juvenile Justice Act led to the creation of specialized juvenile courts in Kiribati, focusing on handling cases involving young offenders separately from the adult justice system
Diversion Programs:The Act encourages diversion programs, such as community service and educational initiatives, to rehabilitate young offenders and prevent recidivism
🌍 International Commitments
Kiribati's reforms align with international standards for juvenile justice, reflecting a commitment to protecting the rights of minors and promoting their rehabilitation within the communit.
These developments mark significant progress in Kiribati's approach to juvenile justice, emphasizing rehabilitation and community-based solutions over punitive measure.
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