JUVENILE CRIMINAL LAW
Defence in juvenile criminal proceedings
Italian juvenile criminal proceedings have their own rules and objectives, combining the determination of criminal responsibility with particular attention to the young person’s development and individual circumstances.
Defence therefore requires consideration not only of the charge and evidence, but also of the minor’s personal, family, educational and social circumstances and of the specific procedural measures available within the juvenile justice system.
Key aspects
- assistance from the investigation stage and in precautionary proceedings;
- assessment of the minor’s personal and social circumstances;
- interaction with family members, juvenile services and educational professionals;
- assessment of juvenile-specific procedural measures, including probation-type programmes;
- defence at preliminary hearings, trial and appeal;
- attention to the practical consequences of proceedings on the minor’s education and development.
