The Specifics of Juvenile Criminal Law in the Czech Legal System

Vági, Kata Franciska (2026) The Specifics of Juvenile Criminal Law in the Czech Legal System. STUDIA JURIDICA ET POLITICA JAURINENSIS, 13 (1). pp. 101-123. ISSN 2064-5902

Preview

Text studia-vol13-no1-2026_7.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives. Download (348kB) | Preview

Abstract

This study examines the specific features of criminal liability for juveniles in the Czech legal system, from both a historical and a contemporary legal perspective. It reviews the development of the legislation from Austrian criminal law traditions through the 1931 Juvenile Act and the regulations of the socialist era to the current Act No. 218/2003 on Juvenile Justice. The study focuses on a child-centered, educational, and restorative approach, which prioritizes the social reintegration, development, and restitution of harm caused by juveniles over retribution. The study analyzes the minimum age of criminal responsibility, the principle of relative accountability, and the assessment of intellectual and moral maturity. It presents the system of educational, protective, and punitive measures, as well as the principle of deprivation of liberty as a measure of last resort. Special attention is given to procedural safeguards, including juvenile courts, mandatory defence, restrictions on publicity, and the role of the Probation and Mediation Service.

Actions (login required)

Edit Item