NCJ Number
165325
Date Published
1996
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Juvenile delinquency in Spain and the country's response to it reflect the reality of the country's relatively recent change to a democratic society, as well as significant changes in procedures in recent years.
Abstract
The constitution makes many statements supporting minors. However, in 1991 it was decided that the rules for delinquency proceedings were unconstitutional because children did not have due process. In the last month the age for full criminal responsibility has changed from 16 years to 18 years. Most regions are trying to do research; some have established projects without conducting advance research. Catalonia is focusing on mediation as a method of solving juvenile delinquency. Cases in which the offense is not serious, the youth has not displayed aggressive behavior, and the youth has repaired or promised to repair the damage can be solved out of court. Cases that do go to court can also involve a restitution agreement between the offender and the victim. Other research in Catalonia has focused on youth attitudes toward capital punishment and physical punishment. An institute of criminology in the Bask country is conducting research on youth attitudes. Those with greater education are more concerned about respect for others than are those with less education. More than half belief that juvenile delinquency is mainly voluntary and that punishment is deserved. They are also optimistic about solving delinquency, although many believe that delinquents will recidivate. They do not regard prison as the solution for delinquency, but they do regard it as appropriate for white-collar criminals and corrupt politicians.