The Juvenile Justice System: A Critical Analysis Of Effectiveness & Addressing Juvenile Delinquency In Pakistan.

Abstract

This research paper is developed to analyze the gaps and challenges found in the juvenile justice system, alongside the growing issue of rise in delinquency in Pakistan, targeting the socioeconomic, factors and investigating the underlying psychological reasons is the primary motive of this analysis. The literature relied upon is all the pre exiting laws made in order to provide protection to juvenile’s offenders of Pakistan however while these laws exist, there is no proper enforcement, check and balance, and management crisis in the state. This study critically examines the extents of effectiveness of juvenile justice system and the cause of delinquency while focusing on the practical implementation of the Juvenile Justice Act-2000 and Juvenile Justice Act 2018, their relation to other relevant laws and understanding how they are applied to states in reality. Focusing on the involvement of youth in criminal behavior, factors contributing in juvenile delinquency and resultantly revealing the causes, negligence and shadow casted upon juvenile justice in Pakistan despite legislative and administrative advancements The system's effectiveness is hindered by inadequate infrastructure at foundational level, lack of trained personnel, insufficient resources and administrative failure to acknowledgement. While highlighting the need for reforms and suggesting the future recommendations for investments in the juvenile justice system, this research aims to ensure that it provides adequate support and services to juvenile offenders in the country and ultimately impacting in reduction of juvenile delinquency and promotion of their rights being protected and mental, physical well-being of children when they came in conflict with the law.