Measures involved in dealing with juvenile offenders

Abstract

This dissertation deals with the subject of juvenile offenders and the measures that are taken by the local authorities in dealing with them when they are brought to court after committing a crime. The measures currently available in Malta when dealing with juvenile offenders are examined and analysed along with the current Juvenile Justice System and whether other alternative measures could be introduced. This study utilises a qualitative methodology, through unstructured interviews with experienced professionals working with juvenile offenders and/or in the Juvenile Justice System. Measures involved in dealing with juvenile offenders are explored and the research backed by authoritative research will demonstrate whether there are enough measures in Malta in dealing with these offenders. The hypothesis of this dissertation is that there are not enough alternative measures to imprisonment for juvenile offenders. Existing alternatives to imprisonment and law changes necessary will be discussed with a view to adopting such measures which have been employed successfully in other countries.