NCJ Number
198188
Date Published
2000
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Juvenile delinquency in Poland is the focus of this chapter.
Abstract
After arguing that juvenile delinquency is a matter of concern for criminologists, lawyers, and the public alike, the author maintains that juvenile law in Poland is largely based on the principle of rehabilitation. Arguing that juvenile offenders’ liability is provided for in the October 1982 Law on the Treatment of Juveniles, the author discusses how Polish juvenile laws are consistent with international standards but are nonetheless inadequate in preventing juvenile crime. Focusing on the shortcomings of Polish law’s treatment of the principles of responsibility and procedure in juvenile cases, the author describes a number of legal changes that have been proposed regarding placing juveniles in remand homes, concerning mediation between victims and the juvenile offender, and forcing juvenile delinquents to participate in therapeutic and/or educational activities. Discussing ways to reform the juvenile correctional facilities, the author suggests introducing differentiated correctional institutions with specialized profiles, treating juveniles in institutional care with respect, instituting therapeutic and probationary support, and improving the cooperation between various organizations and local authorities in order to prevent juvenile delinquency from occurring. Concluding by discussing juvenile delinquency trends, the author maintains that police and court statistics show a steady increase in the number of juvenile delinquents in Poland in the past several years, with many of these juveniles committing serious offenses.