The juvenile court in Malta : is it an effective instrument for the repression of juvenile delinquency and the reform of juvenile offenders?

Abstract

The thesis examines the historical and legislative aspects of the juvenile justice system in Malta in comparison with other countries. It gives the reader an idea about conceptual issues on restorative justice. It aims at providing an overview of the juvenile justice system in practice. The objective behind the Maltese juvenile justice system is to enhance social inclusion and the urgent need for reformative justice. The thesis is divided into four chapters. The first chapter of the thesis gives an account of the historical events that set in motion the establishment of a new institution for the hearing of cases concerning children - the Juvenile Court, with emphasis on the U.S, the U.K. and the Maltese systems. The second chapter focuses on the nature and composition of the Juvenile Court in Malta, examining the competence and jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court in Malta, as well as its organisation and systematisation. The third chapter concentrates on the Maltese system and functions. It portrays the juvenile justice system in practice. The chapter takes stock of measures embarked upon by our Juvenile Court in dealing with juvenile delinquents, moving on to provide for various proposals and recommendations that could help reform our juvenile justice system into a more rehabilitative system. Finally, the last chapter examines the development of policy and practice in the juvenile justice system in the United States and Britain. Many jurisdictions have become concerned with the control of juvenile crime, reflecting a shift from child welfare to a more legalistic system resembling adult court.