The book Juvenile Justice System by Vijay Hansaria provides an insightful analysis of the juvenile justice framework in India. It examines the legal, social, and policy dimensions of how juvenile offenders are treated within the justice system, along with the protective measures in place for children in conflict with the law.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive Overview: The book offers a detailed overview of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, discussing its evolution and application in various contexts.
- Historical Perspective: It delves into the historical development of juvenile justice laws in India, tracing the changes from early legislative measures to the current system, reflecting on key reforms that have shaped the landscape of juvenile justice.
- Legal Framework: The book highlights the provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act and examines how these laws have been interpreted by the judiciary, including notable court decisions that have influenced the treatment of juveniles in the legal system.
- Role of Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs): Special attention is given to the structure, functioning, and responsibilities of the Juvenile Justice Boards, which play a key role in deciding the fate of juveniles.
- Child Welfare: The book discusses the broader aspects of child welfare in India, especially in terms of rehabilitation, reintegration into society, and efforts to prevent recidivism among young offenders.
- Rehabilitation and Reform: A significant portion of the text focuses on the rehabilitation and reformative measures that the juvenile justice system offers, emphasizing the importance of providing juveniles with opportunities for growth and development rather than merely punitive measures.
- Challenges and Reforms: Hansaria also explores the challenges faced by the juvenile justice system, such as the overcrowding of juvenile homes, lack of proper infrastructure, and issues related to the treatment of juveniles involved in serious offenses. He also suggests potential reforms to improve the system.
- Practical Insights: Through case studies, the book presents real-life examples of how juvenile justice laws have been applied, shedding light on the practical challenges that legal practitioners, social workers, and judges face in dealing with juvenile offenders.
This book is particularly useful for legal professionals, academics, students of law, and anyone working in the field of child welfare and juvenile justice. It serves as an essential resource for understanding the complexities of juvenile justice law in India.