Juvenile criminal law in Austria
Juvenile criminal law is a specialized area of the criminal justice system that deals with criminal offences committed by juveniles and young adults.
Young offenders should be educated
It pursues a holistic approach that aims not only to punish criminal offenses, but also to rehabilitate and reintegrate young offenders into society. A central principle of juvenile criminal law is the principle of education and support.
In contrast to adult criminal law, which focuses more on punishment, juvenile criminal law aims to educate and support young offenders and promote positive changes in behavior. This is achieved through measures such as education, supervision, training and professional integration. Another important component of juvenile criminal law is the protection of the welfare and rights of young people.
Juvenile offenders are particularly vulnerable
The law recognizes that young people are often particularly vulnerable due to their development and circumstances and therefore require special protection and support. This includes protection from the legal and social consequences of their criminal acts as well as access to education, healthcare and social care. Juvenile criminal law also attaches particular importance to avoiding the stigmatization and exclusion of young offenders. It aims to promote the reintegration of young people into society and improve their future prospects instead of criminalizing or marginalizing them.
This is done through programs for resocialization, promoting social skills and teaching a sense of responsibility. The application of juvenile criminal law requires a differentiated approach that takes into account the individual circumstances and needs of juvenile offenders. This may require close cooperation between law enforcement agencies, social workers, educational institutions and other relevant stakeholders in order to develop and implement effective measures to support and rehabilitate young offenders. Overall, juvenile justice helps to protect the welfare and future of young people by focusing on education, support and rehabilitation rather than punishment. It is an important step towards a just and compassionate society that aims to give every young person the opportunity to develop their full potential and become a productive member of society.
