COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF JUVENILE JUSTICE LAWS IN INDIA AND OTHER COUNTRIES

Abstract

The way a nation responds to its youngest offenders reveals its deepest moral compass—its stance on punishment, its faith in rehabilitation, and its perception of childhood itself. This research undertakes a comparative exploration of juvenile justice in India, situating it alongside the frameworks of the United States and the United Kingdom. The central concern is not to declare one system superior, but to examine how each country negotiates the delicate balance between accountability and the possibility of reform.

By tracing historical developments, analyzing legislative principles, and reviewing responses to heinous crimes, the study uncovers both challenges and innovations. India’s trajectory reflects a post-colonial struggle to reconcile welfare-oriented traditions with contemporary demands for public safety. The U.S. system demonstrates dramatic shifts between rehabilitative ideals and punitive policies, often intertwined with racial and social inequalities. The UK, particularly in England and Wales, has adopted a structured, managerial approach that emphasizes prevention through a blend of support and accountability.^[1]

Ultimately, the paper argues that an effective juvenile justice system must not simply punish or indulge, but must build pathways—connecting young people to education, psychological support, and meaningful opportunities—while ensuring they confront the consequences of their actions.

^[1] Barry Goldson and John Muncie (eds.), Youth Crime and Justice (Sage Publications, 2015).