Abstract

The juvenile justice system is a vital mechanism that addresses the special legal and social demands of young offenders while striking a balance between justice and rehabilitation. This article provides a socio-legal examination of the juvenile justice system, emphasizing its influence on adolescents in light of both legislative provisions and social reality. The study begins by outlining the historical evolution of juvenile justice laws and focusing on significant legislative actions aimed at preserving juveniles' rights and welfare. It looks at the concepts that underpin these laws, such as the emphasis on rehabilitation over punishment and the identification of adolescents as vulnerable members of society who require special protection. The article emphasizes the complicated connection between socioeconomic circumstances and adolescent misbehaviour by delving into social issues such as poverty, home environment and education. It critically examines how the legal framework interacts with these socioeconomic issues and rates the juvenile justice system's success in attaining its rehabilitative objectives. While the system provides a variety of options for rehabilitation and social reintegration, difficulties such as stigma, insufficient infrastructure, and inconsistent execution reduce its effectiveness. The article also discusses important problems such as determining juvenile age, procedural safeguards, and the roles of numerous parties, including law enforcement, the judiciary, and social agencies. Lastly, the article makes proposals to improving the juvenile justice system through legal reforms, better implementation tactics, and greater community participation.

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