Introduction
Juvenile crime or offending by minors has become an issue that deserves critical examination given its impacts both on the criminal justice system and the society at large. A juvenile or a delinquent refers to a person who has not reached the age of majority and who has come into contact with the criminal justice system as a result of having committed a minor offence which would normally be criminal if committed by an adult. Examples of juvenile or status offences include truancy, disobedience of parents, shoplifting, consumption of alcohol, tobacco purchase or smoking, sneaking out of school or ...
