Juvenile Laws at New Caledonia (France)
New Caledonia, an overseas collectivity of France, administers juvenile justice under French law while incorporating local customary practices.
⚖️ Legal Framework
French National Laws: As part of France, New Caledonia enforces French national legislation concerning juvenile justice, including the Code de la justice pénale des mineurs (CJPM), which emphasizes educational measures over punitive ones for minors involved in criminal activities.
Customary Law: Customary Kanak law coexists with national legislation, influencing local approaches to justice. For example, traditional leaders (chefs) are permitted to visit inmates, fostering reintegration into the community.
🧒 Age of Criminal Responsibility
In New Caledonia, the age of criminal responsibility aligns with French law, typically set at 13 years, Minors aged 13 and above can face criminal charges, though judicial proceedings often focus on rehabilitation
🏛️ Juvenile Justice Procedures
Youth Crime Prevention Initiatives In response to rising youth delinquency, New Caledonia established a youth crime prevention squad . The unit focuses on addressing offenses committed by minors, which constitute a significant portion of local crime.
Curfew Measures In 2020, the Southern Province imposed a nightly seven-hour curfew for individuals under 18 to combat burglaries, acknowledging that about 40% of such crimes were committed by minor.
Cultural Integration in Justice New Caledonia has explored international models, such as the Icelandic approach, to reduce youth offendin. This includes engaging teenagers in community activities and enforcing a 10 PM curfew for those under 1.
🛑 Recent Reforms
*International Collaboration: Delegations from New Caledonia have visited countries like New Zealand to study effective youth crime prevention strategies, emphasizing the importance of cultural respect and community engagement.
*Prison System Reforms: Efforts have been made to involve traditional Kanak leaders in the rehabilitation process, allowing chiefs to visit inmates to facilitate reintegration and reduce recidivim.
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These initiatives reflect New Caledonia's commitment to a juvenile justice system that balances national legal standards with respect for indigenous customs, aiming to rehabilitate minors and integrate them positively into society.
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