When a child is accused of an offence, the law doesn’t treat them exactly like an adult. Juvenile justice systems are based on the idea that children are still developing, more capable of change, and need guidance more than punishment.
Typically, anyone below a certain age (often 18) is treated as a “child in conflict with law”. Their cases go to special juvenile boards, not regular criminal courts. The atmosphere is meant to be more informal and less intimidating. Records are kept confidential to avoid lifelong stigma.
Bail for juveniles is generally the rule, not the exception, unless release would put them at risk or harm society. Instead of jail, they may be sent to observation or rehabilitation homes with counselling, education and skill training.
In very serious offences, some systems allow a special assessment to see whether the child should be tried as an adult, but this is meant to be rare and carefully controlled.
The emphasis is on reformation: helping the child understand consequences, heal from past trauma, and build a healthier future. Society has a stake in this too – a supported, rehabilitated child is far better than an angry, hardened offender created by a harsh system.
