Juvenile Laws at Jordan
Jordan's juvenile justice system has undergone significant reforms in recent years, aiming to align with international standards and prioritize the rehabilitation and protection of minors.
⚖️ Legal Framework
Juvenile Law No. 32 of 2014: This law governs the treatment of juveniles in Jordan, emphasizing restorative justice and the best interests of the child. It defines a juvenile as anyone under 18 and outlines procedures for handling juvenile offenders, focusing on rehabilitation over punitive measures.
Proposed Amendments to Raise the Age of Criminal Responsibility: In 2014, UNICEF proposed amendments to increase the age of criminal responsibility from 7 to 12 years, aligning with international recommendations. This change aims to ensure that children are treated in a manner that facilitates their reintegration into society.
🧒 Age of Criminal Responsibility
Under 12 Years:Children under 12 are generally not held criminally responsible. The proposed amendments aim to raise the age of criminal responsibility from 7 to 12 years, aligning with international recommendations
12 to 18 Years:Juveniles in this age group are subject to the Juvenile Law, which emphasizes restorative justice, Recent reforms have introduced non-custodial alternatives, such as community service and rehabilitation programs, to reduce recidivism and support reintegration
🏛️ Juvenile Justice Procedures
Family Protection and Juvenile Department (FPJD) Specialized units within the FPJD handle cases involving juveniles, focusing on protection and rehabilitatio. A dedicated courtroom at the FPJD allows for child-friendly proceedings, minimizing trauma for young victims and witnesse.
Alternative Penalties The Social Development Ministry has implemented alternative penalties for juveniles, such as supervision by behavioral advisors and community service, aiming to divert minors from detention and promote rehabilitatio.
🛑 Recent Reforms
*National Strategy for Juvenile Justice 2024-2028: Launched in November 2023, this strategy focuses on child protection, rehabilitation, and restorative justie. It aims to enhance juvenile justice procedures, expand services, and ensure equitable treatment for all youths in conflict with the law.
*Regulations Protecting Juvenile Labour Rights: The Ministry of Social Development is working to introduce regulations to protect the rights of juvenile workers, aiming to prevent exploitation and ensure safe working conditions for minos.
🧑⚖️ Legal Assistance and Rights
**Justice Center for Legal Aid (JCLA)*: Established in 2008, JCLA provides legal aid services across Jordan, defending clients who cannot afford private representation. It operates 21 clinics nationwide, offering legal consultations, counsel, and awareness sessions, with nearly 80% of beneficiaries being Jordanian citizens and 60-70% of them women facing financial hardships.
*International Advocacy: Organizations like the World Organisation against Torture (OMCT) and Mizan Law Group have advocated for strengthening juvenile justice legislation in Jora.Their recommendations include raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility, prohibiting the use of force and solitary confinement, establishing oversight and complaint mechanisms for children in detention, and ensuring gender-specific protectins.
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Jordan's juvenile justice system continues to evolve, striving to balance accountability with the protection and rehabilitation of minr.Ongoing reforms and international collaborations aim to further align Jordan's practices with global standards, ensuring that the rights and best interests of children are uphold.
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