Dr\ Rabah Achraf Redaounia

Abstract:

     This research paper addresses the issue of the measures and penalties prescribed for juvenile offenders under Algerian legislation, given that juvenile delinquency constitutes one of the issues requiring special criminal treatment that takes into account the nature of the juvenile’s age , the particularities of his or her personality, and the psychological, social, and educational circumstances surrounding him or her

    The paper also aims to examine the extent to which the Algerian legislator has embraced the philosophy of reform, rehabilitation , and reintegration in dealing with juvenile offenders, through an examination of the principal legal measures prescribed for them, essentially consisting of handing the juvenile over to his or her parents, guardian, or a trustworthy person , placing the juvenile under supervision; and placing him or her in educational and vocational training  institutions or medical and educational institutions.

    The paper also examines the exceptional circumstances in which penalties may be imposed, particularly fines and imprisonment, in respect of juveniles over thirteen and under eighteen years of age.

   The paper further addresses the legal safeguards afforded to juveniles during the investigation and trial stages, during the execution of judgments, and following release, as well as the role of specialized juvenile courts and juvenile  care institutions in achieving protection, rehabilitation, and reintegration. It also examines the preventive dimension by highlighting the role of the family, the media, and the juvenile court in reducing delinquency and addressing the factors leading to it. The study concludes that, as a general principle, the Algerian legislator has adopted a reformative and educational approach to the treatment of juvenile offenders and has made penalties exceptional in nature. However, achieving the objectives pursued by this policy remains dependent upon the effectiveness of specialized institutions, the provision of the necessary human and material resources, and the strengthening of aftercare, prevention, and social reintegration.