NCJ Number
164580
Journal
Acta Criminologica Volume: 9 Issue: 1 Dated: (1996) Pages: 70-77
Date Published
1996
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article explains the new Dutch criminal law for juveniles and its sanction system.
Abstract
Currently, the Netherlands has no special statute pertinent to juvenile offenders; however, the Penal Code makes special provisions for juveniles, primarily regarding the sanctions that can be imposed. On July 1994 the Law to Reform the Criminal Law for Juveniles was published in the Legal Gazette. The law is expected to be implemented in the summer of 1995. The main goals of the new law are simplification, the strengthening of the legal position of juveniles to make it similar to that of adults, and the legal regulation of alternative sanctions. The law allows for the imposition of the traditional sanctions of imprisonment and fines, with maximums for various ages. The second track of sanctions pertains to juveniles who are not criminally responsible or are less criminally responsible for their offenses. The third track of sanctions allows for wholly and partly suspended sentences. The fourth track introduces new alternative sanctions that can be used in place of the main traditional sanctions. The task penalties provide the opportunity for courts to tailor sanctions to the circumstances of each case. The sanctions are designed to reflect recent psychological and sociological insights regarding behavioral change. These new sanctions will be evaluated to determine their effectiveness and to provide information necessary for improvements. 4 figures, 9 notes, and a 5-item bibliography