Difference between revisions of "Standard Minimum Rules for the Administration of Juvenile Justice (the Beijing Rules)/fr"

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Essentiellement, l'article 5 ne demande ni plus ni moins qu'une réaction juste et dans tous les cas de délinquance et de criminalité juvéniles. Les deux aspects exposés dans l'article peuvent permettre d'accomplir de nouveaux progrès à un double égard : il est aussi souhaitable d'appliquer des mesures d'un type nouveau et original que de veiller à éviter l'élargissement excessif du réseau de contrôle social en ce qui concerne les mineurs.
 
Essentiellement, l'article 5 ne demande ni plus ni moins qu'une réaction juste et dans tous les cas de délinquance et de criminalité juvéniles. Les deux aspects exposés dans l'article peuvent permettre d'accomplir de nouveaux progrès à un double égard : il est aussi souhaitable d'appliquer des mesures d'un type nouveau et original que de veiller à éviter l'élargissement excessif du réseau de contrôle social en ce qui concerne les mineurs.
  
===6.  Scope of discretion===
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===6.  Portée du pouvoir discrétionnaire===
  
6.1 In view of the varying special needs of juveniles as well as the variety of measures available, appropriate scope for discretion shall be allowed at all stages of proceedings and at the different levels of juvenile justice administration, including investigation, prosecution, adjudication and the follow-up of dispositions.
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6.1 Eu égard aux besoins particuliers et variés des mineurs et à la diversité des mesures possibles, un pouvoir discrétionnaire suffisant doit être prévu à tous les stades de la procédure et aux différents niveaux de l'administration de la justice pour mineurs, notamment aux stades de l'instruction, des poursuites, du jugement et de l'application des mesures prises.
  
6.2 Efforts shall be made, however, to ensure sufficient accountability at all stages and levels in the exercise of any such discretion.
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6.2 On s'efforcera toutefois d'assurer, à toutes les étapes et à tous les niveaux, l'exercice responsable de ce pouvoir discrétionnaire.
  
6.3 Those who exercise discretion shall be specially qualified or trained to exercise it judiciously and in accordance with their functions and mandates.
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6.3 Les personnes qui l'exercent devront être particulièrement qualifiées ou formées pour en user judicieusement et conformément à leurs fonctions et mandats respectifs.
  
'''Commentary'''
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'''Commentaire :'''
  
Rules 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3 combine several important features of effective, fair and humane juvenile justice administration: the need to permit the exercise of discretionary power at all significant levels of processing so that those who make determinations can take the actions deemed to be most appropriate in each individual case; and the need to provide checks and balances in order to curb any abuses of discretionary power and to safeguard the rights of the young offender. Accountability and professionalism are instruments best apt to curb broad discretion. Thus, professional qualifications and expert training are emphasized here as a valuable means of ensuring the judicious exercise of discretion in matters of juvenile offenders. (See also rules 1.6 and 2.2.) The formulation of specific guidelines on the exercise of discretion and the provision of systems of review, appeal and the like in order to permit scrutiny of decisions and accountability are emphasized in this context. Such mechanisms are not specified here, as they do not easily lend themselves to incorporation into international standard minimum rules, which cannot possibly cover all differences in justice systems.
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Les articles 6.1, 6.2 et 6.3 portent sur plusieurs éléments importants de l'administration d'une justice pour mineurs efficace, juste et humaine : la nécessité de permettre l'exercice du pouvoir discrétionnaire à tous les niveaux importants de la procédure pour que les personnes qui prennent des décisions puissent adopter les mesures estimées convenir le mieux dans chaque cas; et la nécessité de prévoir des contrôles et des contrepoids pour limiter tout abus du pouvoir discrétionnaire et pour sauvegarder les droits du délinquant juvénile. Responsabilité et professionnalisme sont les qualités qui paraissent les plus propres à modérer une liberté d'appréciation trop large. Aussi, les qualifications professionnelles et la formation spécialisée sont- elles désignées ici comme des moyens d'assurer l'exercice judicieux du pouvoir discrétionnaire dans les questions concernant les délinquants juvéniles. (Voir aussi les articles 1.6 et 2.2) La formulation de directives spécifiques sur l'exercice du pouvoir discrétionnaire et la création d'un système de révision, d'appel, etc., pour permettre de revoir les décisions et de s'assurer que ceux qui les prennent ont le sens de leur responsabilité sont soulignées dans ce contexte. Ces mécanismes ne sont pas précisés ici, car ils ne se prêtent pas facilement à l'inclusion dans un ensemble de règles internationales minima qui ne peut absolument pas tenir compte de toutes les différences entre les systèmes de justice.
  
 
===7 . Rights of juveniles===
 
===7 . Rights of juveniles===

Revision as of 08:51, 2 August 2012

Globe3.png English  • français


L'Ensemble de règles minima des Nations Unies concernant l'administration de la justice pour mineurs (Règles de Beijing) a été adopté par l'Assemblée générale dans sa résolution 40/33 du 29 novembre 1985.

Contents

Première partie: PRINCIPES GÉNÉRAUX

1. Perspectives fondamentales

1.1 Les Etats Membres s'emploient, conformément à leurs intérêts généraux, à défendre le bien-être du mineur et de sa famille.

1.2 Les Etats Membres s'efforcent de créer des conditions qui assurent au mineur une vie utile dans la communauté, propre à encourager chez lui pendant la période de sa vie où il est le plus exposé à un comportement déviant, un processus d'épanouissement personnel et d'éducation aussi éloigné que possible de tout contact avec la criminalité et la délinquance.

1.3 Il faut s'attacher à prendre des mesures positives assurant la mobilisation complète de toutes les ressources existantes, notamment la famille, les bénévoles et autres groupements communautaires ainsi que les écoles et autres institutions communautaires, afin de promouvoir le bien-être du mineur et donc de réduire le besoin d'intervention de la loi et de traiter efficacement, équitablement et humainement l'intéressé en conflit avec la loi.

1.4 La justice pour mineurs fait partie intégrante du processus de développement national de chaque pays, dans le cadre général de la justice sociale pour tous les jeunes, contribuant ainsi, en même temps, à la protection des jeunes et au maintien de la paix et de l'ordre dans la société.

1.5 Les modalités d'application du présent Ensemble de règles dépendent des conditions économiques, sociales et culturelles existant dans chaque Etat Membre.

1.6 Les services de justice pour mineurs doivent être systématiquement développés et coordonnés en vue d'améliorer et de perfectionner la compétence du personnel de ces services, en particulier ses méthodes, approches et attitudes.

Commentaire :

Ces perspectives fondamentales générales touchent à la politique sociale globale en général et visent à favoriser le plus possible la protection sociale des jeunes pour éviter l'intervention du système de la justice pour mineurs et le tort souvent causé par cette intervention. Ces mesures de protection sociale des jeunes, avant le passage à la délinquance, sont absolument indispensables si l'on veut éviter d'avoir à appliquer le présent Ensemble de règles.

Les articles 1.1 à 1.3 se rapportent au rôle important que peut jouer une politique sociale constructive au profit des jeunes, notamment pour la prévention du crime et la lutte contre la délinquance. L'article 1.4 définit la justice pour mineurs comme faisant partie intégrante de la justice sociale pour les jeunes, tandis que l'article 1.6 traite de la nécessité d'améliorer constamment la justice pour mineurs, sans se laisser distancer par le développement de la politique sociale progressiste élaborée au profit des jeunes en général et en gardant à l'esprit la nécessité d'améliorer constamment la qualité des services compétents.

L'article 1.5 s'efforce de tenir compte des conditions existant dans les Etats Membres qui pourraient avoir pour effet de rendre essentiellement différentes les modalités d'application de règles particulières par rapport aux modalités adoptées dans d'autres Etats.

2. Champ d'application de l'Ensemble de règles et définitions utilisées

2.1 L'Ensemble de règles minima ci-après s'applique impartialement aux délinquants juvéniles, sans distinction aucune, notamment de race, de couleur, de sexe, de langue, de religion, d'opinion politique ou autre, d'origine nationale ou sociale, de fortune, de naissance ou autre situation.

2.2 Aux fins du présent Ensemble de règles, chaque Etat Membre applique les définitions ci-après de manière compatible avec son système et ses concepts juridiques propres :

a) Un mineur est un enfant ou un jeune qui, au regard du système juridique considéré, peut avoir à répondre d'un délit selon des modalités différentes de celles qui sont appliquées dans le cas d'un adulte;

b) Un délit désigne tout comportement (acte ou omission) punissable par la loi en vertu du système juridique considéré;

c) Un délinquant juvénile est un enfant ou un jeune, accusé ou déclaré coupable d'avoir commis un délit.

2.3 On s'efforcera d'établir, dans chaque pays, une série de lois, règles et dispositions expressément applicables aux délinquants juvéniles et des institutions et organismes chargés de l'administration de la justice pour mineurs et destinés :

a) A répondre aux besoins propres des délinquants juvéniles, tout en protégeant leurs droits fondamentaux;

b) A répondre aux besoins de la société;

c) A appliquer effectivement et équitablement l'Ensemble de règles ci-après.

Commentaire :

L'Ensemble de règles minima est délibérément formulé de façon à être applicable dans des systèmes juridiques différents et, en même temps, à fixer des normes minima pour le traitement des délinquants juvéniles quelle que soit leur définition et quel que soit le système qui leur est appliqué. Ces règles doivent toujours être appliquées impartialement et sans distinction d'aucune sorte.

L'article 2.1 souligne qu'il importe que l'Ensemble de règles minima soit toujours appliqué impartialement et sans distinction d'aucune sorte. Il suit le texte du principe 2 de la Déclaration des droits de l'enfant.

L'article 2.2 définit les termes "mineur" et "délit" en tant qu'éléments de la notion de "délinquant juvénile", qui fait l'objet principal du présent Ensemble de règles minima (voir aussi les articles 3 et 4). Il faut noter que les limites d'âge dépendent expressément de chaque système juridique et tiennent pleinement compte des systèmes économiques, sociaux, politiques et culturels des Etats Membres. Il s'ensuit que toute une gamme d'âges relève de la catégorie des jeunes qui va donc de 7 ans à 18 ans ou plus. Cette disparité est inévitable eu égard à la diversité des systèmes juridiques nationaux et ne diminue en rien l'impact du présent Ensemble de règles minima.

L'article 2.3 prévoit la nécessité d'adopter des lois nationales expressément destinées à assurer la meilleure application possible du présent Ensemble de règles minima à la fois sur le plan juridique et sur le plan pratique.

3. Extension des règles

3.1 Les dispositions pertinentes du présent Ensemble de règles seront appliquées non seulement aux délinquants juvéniles mais aussi aux mineurs contre qui des poursuites pourraient être engagées pour tout comportement qui ne serait pas punissable s'il était commis par un adulte.

3.2 On s'efforcera d'étendre les principes incorporés dans le présent Ensemble de règles à tous les mineurs auxquels s'appliquent des mesures de protection et d'aide sociale.

3.3 On s'efforcera également d'étendre aux jeunes adultes délinquants les principes incorporés dans le présent Ensemble de règles.

Commentaire :

L'article 3 étend la protection assurée par l'Ensemble de règles minima concernant l'administration de la justice pour mineurs :

a) Aux "délits d'état" prévus par les systèmes juridiques nationaux où des comportements plus nombreux que pour les adultes sont considérés comme délictueux chez les jeunes (par exemple l'absentéisme scolaire, l'indiscipline à l'école et en famille, l'ivresse publique, etc.) [art. 3.1];

b) Aux mesures de protection et d'aide sociale à l'intention des jeunes (art. 3.2);

c) Au traitement des jeunes délinquants adultes, selon la limite d'âge fixée dans chaque cas, bien entendu (art. 3.3).

L'extension de l'Ensemble de règles à ces trois domaines semble se justifier. L'article 3.1 prévoit des garanties minima dans ces domaines et l'article 3.2 est considéré comme une étape souhaitable sur la voie d'une justice pénale plus juste, plus équitable et plus humaine pour les mineurs entrés en conflit avec la loi.

4 . Age de la responsabilité pénale

4.1 Dans les systèmes juridiques qui reconnaissent la notion de seuil de responsabilité pénale, celui-ci ne doit pas être fixé trop bas eu égard aux problèmes de maturité affective, psychologique et intellectuelle.

Commentaire :

Le seuil de responsabilité pénale varie largement selon les époques et les cultures. L'attitude moderne serait de se demander si un enfant peut supporter les conséquences morales et psychologiques de la responsabilité pénale, c'est-à-dire si un enfant, compte tenu de sa capacité de discernement et de compréhension, peut être tenu responsable d'un comportement essentiellement antisocial. Si l'âge de la responsabilité pénale est fixé trop bas ou s'il n'y a pas d'âge limite du tout, la notion n'a plus de sens. En général, il existe une relation étroite entre la notion de responsabilité pour un comportement délictueux ou criminel et les autres droits et responsabilités sociales (par exemple la situation matrimoniale, la majorité civile, etc.).

Il faudrait donc chercher à convenir d'un seuil raisonnablement bas applicable dans tous les pays.

5. Objectifs de la justice pour mineurs

5.1 Le système de la justice pour mineurs recherche le bien-être du mineur et fait en sorte que les réactions vis-à-vis des délinquants juvéniles soient toujours proportionnées aux circonstances propres aux délinquants et aux délits.

Commentaire :

L'article 5 concerne deux des objectifs les plus importants de la justice pour mineurs. Le premier est la recherche du bien-être du mineur. C'est l'objectif principal des systèmes juridiques où les cas des délinquants juvéniles sont examinés par les tribunaux pour enfants ou par les autorités administratives, mais il faut insister aussi sur le bien-être du mineur dans les systèmes juridiques où ils relèvent des juridictions de droit commun, pour éviter que ne soient prises des sanctions uniquement punitives. (Voir également l'article 14).

Le second objectif est le "principe de proportionnalité". Ce principe bien connu sert à modérer les sanctions punitives, généralement en les rapportant à la gravité du délit. Pour les délinquants juvéniles, il faut tenir compte non seulement de cette gravité mais aussi des circonstances personnelles. Celles-ci (position sociale, situation de famille, dommages causés par le délit ou autres facteurs influant sur les circonstances personnelles) doivent intervenir pour proportionner la décision (par exemple en tenant compte de l'effort du délinquant pour indemniser la victime ou de son désir de revenir à une vie saine et utile).

De la même façon, les décisions visant à la protection du délinquant juvénile peuvent aller plus loin qu'il n'est nécessaire et donc porter atteinte à ses droits fondamentaux, comme on a pu l'observer dans certains systèmes de justice pour mineurs. Là aussi il faut veiller à proportionner la réaction aux circonstances propres au délinquant et au délit, comme à celles de la victime.

Essentiellement, l'article 5 ne demande ni plus ni moins qu'une réaction juste et dans tous les cas de délinquance et de criminalité juvéniles. Les deux aspects exposés dans l'article peuvent permettre d'accomplir de nouveaux progrès à un double égard : il est aussi souhaitable d'appliquer des mesures d'un type nouveau et original que de veiller à éviter l'élargissement excessif du réseau de contrôle social en ce qui concerne les mineurs.

6. Portée du pouvoir discrétionnaire

6.1 Eu égard aux besoins particuliers et variés des mineurs et à la diversité des mesures possibles, un pouvoir discrétionnaire suffisant doit être prévu à tous les stades de la procédure et aux différents niveaux de l'administration de la justice pour mineurs, notamment aux stades de l'instruction, des poursuites, du jugement et de l'application des mesures prises.

6.2 On s'efforcera toutefois d'assurer, à toutes les étapes et à tous les niveaux, l'exercice responsable de ce pouvoir discrétionnaire.

6.3 Les personnes qui l'exercent devront être particulièrement qualifiées ou formées pour en user judicieusement et conformément à leurs fonctions et mandats respectifs.

Commentaire :

Les articles 6.1, 6.2 et 6.3 portent sur plusieurs éléments importants de l'administration d'une justice pour mineurs efficace, juste et humaine : la nécessité de permettre l'exercice du pouvoir discrétionnaire à tous les niveaux importants de la procédure pour que les personnes qui prennent des décisions puissent adopter les mesures estimées convenir le mieux dans chaque cas; et la nécessité de prévoir des contrôles et des contrepoids pour limiter tout abus du pouvoir discrétionnaire et pour sauvegarder les droits du délinquant juvénile. Responsabilité et professionnalisme sont les qualités qui paraissent les plus propres à modérer une liberté d'appréciation trop large. Aussi, les qualifications professionnelles et la formation spécialisée sont- elles désignées ici comme des moyens d'assurer l'exercice judicieux du pouvoir discrétionnaire dans les questions concernant les délinquants juvéniles. (Voir aussi les articles 1.6 et 2.2) La formulation de directives spécifiques sur l'exercice du pouvoir discrétionnaire et la création d'un système de révision, d'appel, etc., pour permettre de revoir les décisions et de s'assurer que ceux qui les prennent ont le sens de leur responsabilité sont soulignées dans ce contexte. Ces mécanismes ne sont pas précisés ici, car ils ne se prêtent pas facilement à l'inclusion dans un ensemble de règles internationales minima qui ne peut absolument pas tenir compte de toutes les différences entre les systèmes de justice.

7 . Rights of juveniles

7.1 Basic procedural safeguards such as the presumption of innocence, the right to be notified of the charges, the right to remain silent, the right to counsel, the right to the presence of a parent or guardian, the right to confront and cross-examine witnesses and the right to appeal to a higher authority shall be guaranteed at all stages of proceedings.

Commentary

Rule 7.1 emphasizes some important points that represent essential elements for a fair and just trial and that are internationally recognized in existing human rights instruments (See also rule 14.). The presumption of innocence, for instance, is also to be found in article 11 of the Universal Declaration of Human rights and in article 14, paragraph 2, of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Rules 14 seq. of these Standard Minimum Rules specify issues that are important for proceedings in juvenile cases, in particular, while rule 7.1 affirms the most basic procedural safeguards in a general way.

8. Protection of privacy

8.1 The juvenile's right to privacy shall be respected at all stages in order to avoid harm being caused to her or him by undue publicity or by the process of labelling.

8.2 In principle, no information that may lead to the identification of a juvenile offender shall be published.

Commentary

Rule 8 stresses the importance of the protection of the juvenile's right to privacy. Young persons are particularly susceptible to stigmatization. Criminological research into labelling processes has provided evidence of the detrimental effects (of different kinds) resulting from the permanent identification of young persons as "delinquent" or "criminal".

Rule 8 stresses the importance of protecting the juvenile from the adverse effects that may result from the publication in the mass media of information about the case (for example the names of young offenders, alleged or convicted). The interest of the individual should be protected and upheld, at least in principle. (The general contents of rule 8 are further specified in rule 2 1.)

9. Saving clause

9.1 Nothing in these Rules shall be interpreted as precluding the application of the Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners adopted by the United Nations and other human rights instruments and standards recognized by the international community that relate to the care and protection of the young.

Commentary

Rule 9 is meant to avoid any misunderstanding in interpreting and implementing the present Rules in conformity with principles contained in relevant existing or emerging international human rights instruments and standards-such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the Declaration of the Rights of the Child and the draft convention on the rights of the child. It should be understood that the application of the present Rules is without prejudice to any such international instruments which may contain provisions of wider application. (See also rule 27.)

Part two: INVESTIGATION AND PROSECUTION

10. Initial contact

10.1 Upon the apprehension of a juvenile, her or his parents or guardian shall be immediately notified of such apprehension, and, where such immediate notification is not possible, the parents or guardian shall be notified within the shortest possible time thereafter.

10.2 A judge or other competent official or body shall, without delay, consider the issue of release.

10.3 Contacts between the law enforcement agencies and a juvenile offender shall be managed in such a way as to respect the legal status of the juvenile, promote the well-being of the juvenile and avoid harm to her or hi m, with due regard to the circumstances of the case.

Commentary

Rule 10.1 is in principle contained in rule 92 of the Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners.

The question of release (rule 10.2) shall be considered without delay by a judge or other competent official. The latter refers to any person or institution in the broadest sense of the term, including community boards or police authorities having power to release an arrested person. (See also the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, article 9, paragraph 3.)

Rule 10.3 deals with some fundamental aspects of the procedures and behaviour on the part of the police and other law enforcement officials in cases of juvenile crime. To "avoid harm" admittedly is flexible wording and covers many features of possible interaction (for example the use of harsh language, physical violence or exposure to the environment). Involvement in juvenile justice processes in itself can be "harmful" to juveniles; the term "avoid harm" should be broadly interpreted, therefore, as doing the least harm possible to the juvenile in the first instance, as well as any additional or undue harm. This is especially important in the initial contact with law enforcement agencies, which might profoundly influence the juvenile's attitude towards the State and society. Moreover, the success of any further intervention is largely dependent on such initial contacts. Compassion and kind firmness are important in these situations.

11. Diversion

11.1 Consideration shall be given, wherever appropriate, to dealing with juvenile offenders without resorting to formal trial by the competent authority, referred to in rule 14.1 below.

11.2 The police, the prosecution or other agencies dealing with juvenile cases shall be empowered to dispose of such cases, at their discretion, without recourse to formal hearings, in accordance with the criteria laid down for that purpose in the respective legal system and also in accordance with the principles contained in these Rules.

11.3 Any diversion involving referral to appropriate community or other services shall require the consent of the juvenile, or her or his parents or guardian, provided that such decision to refer a case shall be subject to review by a competent authority, upon application.

11.4 In order to facilitate the discretionary disposition of juvenile cases, efforts shall be made to provide for community programmes, such as temporary supervision and guidance, restitution, and compensation of victims.

Commentary

Diversion, involving removal from criminal justice processing and, frequently, redirection to community support services, is commonly practised on a formal and informal basis in many legal systems. This practice serves to hinder the negative effects of subsequent proceedings in juvenile justice administration (for example the stigma of conviction and sentence). In many cases, non-intervention would be the best response. Thus, diversion at the outset and without referral to alternative (social) services may be the optimal response. This is especially the case where the offence is of a non-serious nature and where the family, the school or other informal social control institutions have already reacted, or are likely to react, in an appropriate and constructive manner.

As stated in rule 11.2, diversion may be used at any point of decision-making-by the police, the prosecution or other agencies such as the courts, tribunals, boards or councils. It may be exercised by one authority or several or all authorities, according to the rules and policies of the respective systems and in line with the present Rules. It need not necessarily be limited to petty cases, thus rendering diversion an important instrument.

Rule 11.3 stresses the important requirement of securing the consent of the young offender (or the parent or guardian) to the recommended diversionary measure(s). (Diversion to community service without such consent would contradict the Abolition of Forced Labour Convention.) However, this consent should not be left unchallengeable, since it might sometimes be given out of sheer desperation on the part of the juvenile. The rule underlines that care should be taken to minimize the potential for coercion and intimidation at all levels in the diversion process. Juveniles should not feel pressured (for example in order to avoid court appearance) or be pressured into consenting to diversion programmes. Thus, it is advocated that provision should be made for an objective appraisal of the appropriateness of dispositions involving young offenders by a "competent authority upon application". (The "competent authority," may be different from that referred to in rule 14.)

Rule 11.4 recommends the provision of viable alternatives to juvenile justice processing in the form of community-based diversion. Programmes that involve settlement by victim restitution and those that seek to avoid future conflict with the law through temporary supervision and guidance are especially commended. The merits of individual cases would make diversion appropriate, even when more serious offences have been committed (for example first offence, the act having been committed under peer pressure, etc.).

12 . Specialization within the police

12.1 In order to best fulfil their functions, police officers who frequently or exclusively deal with juveniles or who are primarily engaged in the prevention of juvenile crime shall be specially instructed and trained. In large cities, special police units should be established for that purpose.

Commentary

Rule 12 draws attention to the need for specialized training for all law enforcement officials who are involved in the administration of juvenile justice. As police are the first point of contact with the juvenile justice system, it is most important that they act in an informed and appropriate manner.

While the relationship between urbanization and crime is clearly complex, an increase in juvenile crime has been associated with the growth of large cities, particularly with rapid and unplanned growth. Specialized police units would therefore be indispensable, not only in the interest of implementing specific principles contained in the present instrument (such as rule 1.6) but more generally for improving the prevention and control of juvenile crime and the handling of juvenile offenders.

13 . Detention pending trial

13.1 Detention pending trial shall be used only as a measure of last resort and for the shortest possible period of time.

13.2 Whenever possible, detention pending trial shall be replaced by alternative measures, such as close supervision, intensive care or placement with a family or in an educational setting or .

13.3 Juveniles under detention pending trial shall be entitled to all rights and guarantees of the Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners adopted by the United Nations.

13.4 Juveniles under detention pending trial shall be kept separate from adults and shall be detained in a separate institution or in a separate part of an institution also holding adults.

13.5 While in custody, juveniles shall receive care, protection and all necessary individual assistance-social, educational, vocational, psychological, medical and physical-that they may require in view of their age, sex and personality.

Commentary

The danger to juveniles of "criminal contamination" while in detention pending trial must not be underestimated. It is therefore important to stress the need for alternative measures. By doing so, rule 13.1 encourages the devising of new and innovative measures to avoid such detention in the interest of the well-being of the juvenile.

Juveniles under detention pending trial are entitled to all the rights and guarantees of the Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners as well as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, especially article 9 and article 10, paragraphs 2 ( b ) and 3.

Rule 13.4 does not prevent States from taking other measures against the negative influences of adult offenders which are at least as effective as the measures mentioned in the rule.

Different forms of assistance that may become necessary have been enumerated to draw attention to the broad range of particular needs of young detainees to be addressed (for example females or males, drug addicts, alcoholics, mentally ill juveniles, young persons suffering from the trauma, for example, of arrest, etc.).

Varying physical and psychological characteristics of young detainees may warrant classification measures by which some are kept separate while in detention pending trial, thus contributing to the avoidance of victimization and rendering more appropriate assistance.

The Sixth United Nations Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders, in its resolution 4 on juvenile justice standards, specified that the Rules, inter alia , should reflect the basic principle that pre-trial detention should be used only as a last resort, that no minors should be held in a facility where they are vulnerable to the negative influences of adult detainees and that account should always be taken of the needs particular to their stage of development.

Part three: ADJUDICATION AND DISPOSITION

14. Competent authority to adjudicate

14.1 Where the case of a juvenile offender has not been diverted (under rule 11), she or he shall be dealt with by the competent authority (court, tribunal, board, council, etc.) according to the principles of a fair and just trial.

14.2 The proceedings shall be conducive to the best interests of the juvenile and shall be conducted in an atmosphere of understanding, which shall allow the juvenile to participate therein and to express herself or himself freely.

Commentary

It is difficult to formulate a definition of the competent body or person that would universally describe an adjudicating authority. "Competent authority" is meant to include those who preside over courts or tribunals (composed of a single judge or of several members), including professional and lay magistrates as well as administrative boards (for example the Scottish and Scandinavian systems) or other more informal community and conflict resolution agencies of an adjudicatory nature.

The procedure for dealing with juvenile offenders shall in any case follow the minimum standards that are applied almost universally for any criminal defendant under the procedure known as "due process of law". In accordance with due process, a "fair and just trial" includes such basic safeguards as the presumption of innocence, the presentation and examination of witnesses, the common legal defences, the right to remain silent, the right to have the last word in a hearing, the right to appeal, etc. (See also rule 7.1.)

15. Legal counsel, parents and guardians

15.1 Throughout the proceedings the juvenile shall have the right to be represented by a legal adviser or to apply for free legal aid where there is provision for such aid in the country.

15.2 The parents or the guardian shall be entitled to participate in the proceedings and may be required by the competent authority to attend them in the interest of the juvenile. They may, however, be denied participation by the competent authority if there are reasons to assume that such exclusion is necessary in the interest of the juvenile.

Commentary

Rule 15.1 uses terminology similar to that found in rule 93 of the Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners. Whereas legal counsel and free legal aid are needed to assure the juvenile legal assistance, the right of the parents or guardian to participate as stated in rule 15.2 should be viewed as general psychological and emotional assistance to the juvenile-a function extending throughout the procedure.

The competent authority's search for an adequate disposition of the case may profit, in particular, from the co-operation of the legal representatives of the juvenile (or, for that matter, some other personal assistant who the juvenile can and does really trust). Such concern can be thwarted if the presence of parents or guardians at the hearings plays a negative role, for instance, if they display a hostile attitude towards the juvenile, hence, the possibility of their exclusion must be provided for.

16. Social inquiry reports

16.1 In all cases except those involving minor offences, before the competent authority renders a final disposition prior to sentencing, the background and circumstances in which the juvenile is living or the conditions under which the offence has been committed shall be properly investigated so as to facilitate judicious adjudication of the case by the competent authority.

Commentary

Social inquiry reports (social reports or pre-sentence reports) are an indispensable aid in most legal proceedings involving juveniles. The competent authority should be informed of relevant facts about the juvenile, such as social and family background, school career, educational experiences, etc. For this purpose, some jurisdictions use special social services or personnel attached to the court or board. Other personnel, including probation officers, may serve the same function. The rule therefore requires that adequate social services should be available to deliver social inquiry reports of a qualified nature.

17. Guiding principles in adjudication and disposition

17.1 The disposition of the competent authority shall be guided by the following principles:

( a ) The reaction taken shall always be in proportion not only to the circumstances and the gravity of the offence but also to the circumstances and the needs of the juvenile as well as to the needs of the society;

( b ) Restrictions on the personal liberty of the juvenile shall be imposed only after careful consideration and shall be limited to the possible minimum;

( c ) Deprivation of personal liberty shall not be imposed unless the juvenile is adjudicated of a serious act involving violence against another person or of persistence in committing other serious offences and unless there is no other appropriate response;

( d ) The well-being of the juvenile shall be the guiding factor in the consideration of her or his case.

17.2 Capital punishment shall not be imposed for any crime committed by juveniles.

17.3 Juveniles shall not be subject to corporal punishment.

17.4 The competent authority shall have the power to discontinue the proceedings at any time.

Commentary

The main difficulty in formulating guidelines for the adjudication of young persons stems from the fact that there are unresolved conflicts of a philosophical nature, such as the following:

( a ) Rehabilitation versus just desert;

( b ) Assistance versus repression and punishment;

( c ) Reaction according to the singular merits of an individual case versus reaction according to the protection of society in general;

( d ) General deterrence versus individual incapacitation.

The conflict between these approaches is more pronounced in juvenile cases than in adult cases. With the variety of causes and reactions characterizing juvenile cases, these alternatives become intricately interwoven.

It is not the function of the Standard Minimum Rules for the Administration of Juvenile Justice to prescribe which approach is to be followed but rather to identify one that is most closely in consonance with internationally accepted principles. Therefore the essential elements as laid down in rule 17.1, in particular in subparagraphs (a) and (c), are mainly to be understood as practical guidelines that should ensure a common starting point; if heeded by the concerned authorities (see also rule 5), they could contribute considerably to ensuring that the fundamental rights of juvenile offenders are protected, especially the fundamental rights of personal development and education.

Rule 17.1 ( b ) implies that strictly punitive approaches are not appropriate. Whereas in adult cases, and possibly also in cases of severe offences by juveniles, just desert and retributive sanctions might be considered to have some merit, in juvenile cases such considerations should always be outweighed by the interest of safeguarding the well-being and the future of the young person.

In line with resolution 8 of the Sixth United Nations Congress, rule 17.1 ( b ) encourages the use of alternatives to institutionalization to the maximum extent possible, bearing in mind the need to respond to the specific requirements of the young. Thus, full use should be made of the range of existing alternative sanctions and new alternative sanctions should be developed, bearing the public safety in mind. Probation should be granted to the greatest possible extent via suspended sentences, conditional sentences, board orders and other dispositions.

Rule 17.1 ( c ) corresponds to one of the guiding principles in resolution 4 of the Sixth Congress which aims at avoiding incarceration in the case of juveniles unless there is no other appropriate response that will protect the public safety.

The provision prohibiting capital punishment in rule 17.2 is in accordance with article 6, paragraph 5, of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

The provision against corporal punishment is in line with article 7 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Declaration on the Protection of All Persons from Being Subjected to Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, as well as the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and the draft convention on the rights of the child.

The power to discontinue the proceedings at any time (rule 17.4) is a characteristic inherent in the handling of juvenile offenders as opposed to adults. At any time, circumstances may become known to the competent authority which would make a complete cessation of the intervention appear to be the best disposition of the case.

18. Various disposition measures

18.1 A large variety of disposition measures shall be made available to the competent authority, allowing for flexibility so as to avoid institutionalization to the greatest extent possible. Such measures, some of which may be combined, include:

( a ) Care, guidance and supervision orders;

( b ) Probation;

( c ) Community service orders;

( d ) Financial penalties, compensation and restitution;

( e ) Intermediate treatment and other treatment orders;

( f ) Orders to participate in group counselling and similar activities;

( g ) Orders concerning foster care, living communities or other educational settings;

( h ) Other relevant orders.

18.2 No juvenile shall be removed from parental supervision, whether partly or entirely, unless the circumstances of her or his case make this necessary.

Commentary

Rule 18.1 attempts to enumerate some of the important reactions and sanctions that have been practised and proved successful thus far, in different legal systems. On the whole they represent promising opinions that deserve replication and further development. The rule does not enumerate staffing requirements because of possible shortages of adequate staff in some regions; in those regions measures requiring less staff may be tried or developed.

The examples given in rule 18.1 have in common, above all, a reliance on and an appeal to the community for the effective implementation of alternative dispositions. Community-based correction is a traditional measure that has taken on many aspects. On that basis, relevant authorities should be encouraged to offer community-based services.

Rule 18.2 points to the importance of the family which, according to article 10, paragraph l, of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, is "the natural and fundamental group unit of society". Within the family, the parents have not only the right but also the responsibility to care for and supervise their children. Rule 18.2, therefore, requires that the separation of children from their parents is a measure of last resort. It may be resorted to only when the facts of the case clearly warrant this grave step (for example child abuse).

19. Least possible use of institutionalization

19.1 The placement of a juvenile in an institution shall always be a disposition of last resort and for the minimum necessary period.

Commentary

Progressive criminology advocates the use of non-institutional over institutional treatment. Little or no difference has been found in terms of the success of institutionalization as compared to non-institutionalization. The many adverse influences on an individual that seem unavoidable within any institutional setting evidently cannot be outbalanced by treatment efforts. This is especially the case for juveniles, who are vulnerable to negative influences. Moreover, the negative effects, not only of loss of liberty but also of separation from the usual social environment, are certainly more acute for juveniles than for adults because of their early stage of development.

Rule 19 aims at restricting institutionalization in two regards: in quantity ("last resort") and in time ("minimum necessary period"). Rule 19 reflects one of the basic guiding principles of resolution 4 of the Sixth United Nations Congress: a juvenile offender should not be incarcerated unless there is no other appropriate response. The rule, therefore, makes the appeal that if a juvenile must be institutionalized, the loss of liberty should be restricted to the least possible degree, with special institutional arrangements for confinement and bearing in mind the differences in kinds of offenders, offences and institutions. In fact, priority should be given to "open" over "closed" institutions. Furthermore, any facility should be of a correctional or educational rather than of a prison type.

20. Avoidance of unnecessary delay

20.1 Each case shall from the outset be handled expeditiously, without any unnecessary delay.

Commentary

The speedy conduct of formal procedures in juvenile cases is a paramount concern. Otherwise whatever good may be achieved by the procedure and the disposition is at risk. As time passes, the juvenile will find it increasingly difficult, if not impossible, to relate the procedure and disposition to the offence, both intellectually and psychologically.

21. Records

21.1 Records of juvenile offenders shall be kept strictly confidential and closed to third parties. Access to such records shall be limited to persons directly concerned with the disposition of the case at hand or other duly authorized persons.

21.2 Records of juvenile offenders shall not be used in adult proceedings in subsequent cases involving the same offender.

Commentary

The rule attempts to achieve a balance between conflicting interests connected with records or files: those of the police, prosecution and other authorities in improving control versus the interests of the juvenile offender. (See also rule 8.) "Other duly authorized persons" would generally include, among others, researchers.

22. Need for professionalism and training

22.1 Professional education, in-service training, refresher courses and other appropriate modes of instruction shall be utilized to establish and maintain the necessary professional competence of all personnel dealing with juvenile cases.

22.2 Juvenile justice personnel shall reflect the diversity of juveniles who come into contact with the juvenile justice system. Efforts shall be made to ensure the fair representation of women and minorities in juvenile justice agencies.

Commentary

The authorities competent for disposition may be persons with very different backgrounds (magistrates in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and in regions influenced by the common law system; legally trained judges in countries using Roman law and in regions influenced by them; and elsewhere elected or appointed laymen or jurists, members of community-based boards, etc.). For all these authorities, a minimum training in law, sociology, psychology, criminology and behavioural sciences would be required. This is considered as important as the organizational specialization and independence of the competent authority.

For social workers and probation officers, it might not be feasible to require professional specialization as a prerequisite for taking over any function dealing with juvenile offenders. Thus, professional on-the job instruction would be minimum qualifications.

Professional qualifications are an essential element in ensuring the impartial and effective administration of juvenile justice. Accordingly, it is necessary to improve the recruitment, advancement and professional training of personnel and to provide them with the necessary means to enable them to properly fulfil their functions.

All political, social, sexual, racial, religious, cultural or any other kind of discrimination in the selection, appointment and advancement of juvenile justice personnel should be avoided in order to achieve impartiality in the administration of juvenile justice. This was recommended by the Sixth Congress. Furthermore, the Sixth Congress called on Member States to ensure the fair and equal treatment of women as criminal justice personnel and recommended that special measures should be taken to recruit, train and facilitate the advancement of female personnel in juvenile justice administration.

Part four: NON-INSTITUTIONAL TREATMENT

23. Effective implementation of disposition

23.1 Appropriate provisions shall be made for the implementation of orders of the competent authority, as referred to in rule 14.1 above, by that authority itself or by some other authority as circumstances may require.

23.2 Such provisions shall include the power to modify the orders as the competent authority may deem necessary from time to time, provided that such modification shall be determined in accordance with the principles contained in these Rules.

Commentary

Disposition in juvenile cases, more so than in adult cases, tends to influence the offender's life for a long period of time. Thus, it is important that the competent authority or an independent body (parole board, probation office, youth welfare institutions or others) with qualifications equal to those of the competent authority that originally disposed of the case should monitor the implementation of the disposition. In some countries, a juge de l'ex�cution des peines has been installed for this purpose.

The composition, powers and functions of the authority must be flexible; they are described in general terms in rule 23 in order to ensure wide acceptability.

24 . Provision of needed assistance

24.1 Efforts shall be made to provide juveniles, at all stages of the proceedings, with necessary assistance such as lodging, education or vocational training, employment or any other assistance, helpful and practical, in order to facilitate the rehabilitative process.

Commentary

The promotion of the well-being of the juvenile is of paramount consideration. Thus, rule 24 emphasizes the importance of providing requisite facilities, services and other necessary assistance as may further the best interests of the juvenile throughout the rehabilitative process.

25. Mobilization of volunteers and other community services

25.1 Volunteers, voluntary organizations, local institutions and other community resources shall be called upon to contribute effectively to the rehabilitation of the juvenile in a community setting and, as far as possible, within the family unit.

Commentary

This rule reflects the need for a rehabilitative orientation of all work with juvenile offenders. Co-operation with the community is indispensable if the directives of the competent authority are to be carried out effectively. Volunteers and voluntary services, in particular, have proved to be valuable resources but are at present underutilized. In some instances, the co-operation of ex-offenders (including ex-addicts) can be of considerable assistance.

Rule 25 emanates from the principles laid down in rules 1.1 to 1.6 and follows the relevant provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Part five: INSTITUTIONAL TREATMENT

26. Objectives of institutional treatment

26.1 The objective of training and treatment of juveniles placed in institutions is to provide care, protection, education and vocational skills, with a view to assisting them to assume socially constructive and productive roles in society.

26.2 Juveniles in institutions shall receive care, protection and all necessary assistance-social, educational, vocational, psychological, medical and physical-that they may require because of their age, sex, and personality and in the interest of their wholesome development .

26.3 Juveniles in institutions shall be kept separate from adults and shall be detained in a separate institution or in a separate part of an institution also holding adults.

26.4 Young female offenders placed in an institution deserve special attention as to their personal needs and problems. They shall by no means receive less care, protection, assistance, treatment and training than young male offenders. Their fair treatment shall be ensured.

26.5 In the interest and well-being of the institutionalized juvenile, the parents or guardians shall have a right of access.

26.6 Inter-ministerial and inter-departmental co-operation shall be fostered for the purpose of providing adequate academic or, as appropriate, vocational training to institutionalized juveniles, with a view to ensuring that they do no leave the institution at an educational disadvantage.

Commentary

The objectives of institutional treatment as stipulated in rules 26.1 and 26.2 would be acceptable to any system and culture. However, they have not yet been attained everywhere, and much more has to be done in this respect.

Medical and psychological assistance, in particular, are extremely important for institutionalized drug addicts, violent and mentally ill young persons.

The avoidance of negative influences through adult offenders and the safeguarding of the well-being of juveniles in an institutional setting, as stipulated in rule 26.3, are in line with one of the basic guiding principles of the Rules, as set out by the Sixth Congress in its resolution 4. The rule does not prevent States from taking other measures against the negative influences of adult offenders, which are at least as effective as the measures mentioned in the rule. (See also rule 13.4.)

Rule 26.4 addresses the fact that female offenders normally receive less attention than their male counterparts. as pointed out by the Sixth Congress. In particular, resolution 9 of the Sixth Congress calls for the fair treatment of female offenders at every stage of criminal justice processes and for special attention to their particular problems and needs while in custody. Moreover, this rule should also be considered in the light of the Caracas Declaration of the Sixth Congress, which, inter alia , calls for equal treatment in criminal justice administration, and against the background of the Declaration on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.

The right of access (rule 26.5) follows from the provisions of rules 7.1, 10.1, 15.2 and 18.2. Inter-ministerial and inter-departmental co-operation (rule 26.6) are of particular importance in the interest of generally enhancing the quality of institutional treatment and training.

27. Application of the Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners adopted by the United Nations

27.1 The Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners and related recommendations shall be applicable as far as relevant to the treatment of juvenile offenders in institutions, including those in detention pending adjudication.

27.2 Efforts shall be made to implement the relevant principles laid down in the Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners to the largest possible extent so as to meet the varying needs of juveniles specific to their age, sex and personality.

Commentary

The Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners were among the first instruments of this kind to be promulgated by the United Nations. It is generally agreed that they have had a world-wide impact. Although there are still countries where implementation is more an aspiration than a fact, those Standard Minimum Rules continue to be an important influence in the humane and equitable administration of correctional institutions.

Some essential protections covering juvenile offenders in institutions are contained in the Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (accommodation, architecture, bedding, clothing, complaints and requests, contact with the outside world, food, medical care, religious service, separation of ages, staffing, work, etc.) as are provisions concerning punishment and discipline, and restraint for dangerous offenders. It would not be appropriate to modify those Standard Minimum Rules according to the particular characteristics of institutions for juvenile offenders within the scope of the Standard Minimum Rules for the Administration of Juvenile Justice.

Rule 27 focuses on the necessary requirements for juveniles in institutions (rule 27.1) as well as on the varying needs specific to their age, sex and personality (rule 27.2). Thus, the objectives and content of the rule interrelate to the relevant provisions of the Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners.

28. Frequent and early recourse to conditional release

28.1 Conditional release from an institution shall be used by the appropriate authority to the greatest possible extent, and shall be granted at the earliest possible time.

28.2 Juveniles released conditionally from an institution shall be assisted and supervised by an appropriate authority and shall receive full support by the community.

Commentary

The power to order conditional release may rest with the competent authority, as mentioned in rule 14.1, or with some other authority. In view of this, it is adequate to refer here to the "appropriate" rather than to the "competent" authority.

Circumstances permitting, conditional release shall be preferred to serving a full sentence. Upon evidence of satisfactory progress towards rehabilitation, even offenders who had been deemed dangerous at the time of their institutionalization can be conditionally released whenever feasible. Like probation, such release may be conditional on the satisfactory fulfilment of the requirements specified by the relevant authorities for a period of time established in the decision, for example relating to "good behaviour" of the offender, attendance in community programmes, residence in half-way houses, etc.

In the case of offenders conditionally released from an institution, assistance and supervision by a probation or other officer (particularly where probation has not yet been adopted) should be provided and community support should be encouraged.

29. Semi-institutional arrangements

29.1 Efforts shall be made to provide semi-institutional arrangements, such as half-way houses, educational s, day-time training centres and other such appropriate arrangements that may assist juveniles in their proper reintegration into society.

Commentary

The importance of care following a period of institutionalization should not be underestimated. This rule emphasizes the necessity of forming a net of semi-institutional arrangements.

This rule also emphasizes the need for a diverse range of facilities and services designed to meet the different needs of young offenders re-entering the community and to provide guidance and structural support as an important step towards successful reintegration into society.

Part six: RESEARCH, PLANNING, POLICY FORMULATION AND EVALUATION

30. Research as a basis for planning, policy formulation and evaluation

30.1 Efforts shall be made to organize and promote necessary research as a basis for effective planning and policy formulation.

30.2 Efforts shall be made to review and appraise periodically the trends, problems and causes of juvenile delinquency and crime as well as the varying particular needs of juveniles in custody.

30.3 Efforts shall be made to establish a regular evaluative research mechanism built into the system of juvenile justice administration and to collect and analyse relevant data and information for appropriate assessment and future improvement and reform of the administration.

30.4 The delivery of services in juvenile justice administration shall be systematically planned and implemented as an integral part of national development efforts.

Commentary

The utilization of research as a basis for an informed juvenile justice policy is widely acknowledged as an important mechanism for keeping practices abreast of advances in knowledge and the continuing development and improvement of the juvenile justice system. The mutual feedback between research and policy is especially important in juvenile justice. With rapid and often drastic changes in the life-styles of the young and in the forms and dimensions of juvenile crime, the societal and justice responses to juvenile crime and delinquency quickly become outmoded and inadequate.

Rule 30 thus establishes standards for integrating research into the process of policy formulation and application in juvenile justice administration. The rule draws particular attention to the need for regular review and evaluation of existing programmes and measures and for planning within the broader context of overall development objectives.

A constant appraisal of the needs of juveniles, as well as the trends and problems of delinquency, is a prerequisite for improving the methods of formulating appropriate policies and establishing adequate interventions, at both formal and informal levels. In this context, research by independent persons and bodies should be facilitated by responsible agencies, and it may be valuable to obtain and to take into account the views of juveniles themselves, not only those who come into contact with the system.

The process of planning must particularly emphasize a more effective and equitable system for the delivery of necessary services. Towards that end, there should be a comprehensive and regular assessment of the wide-ranging, particular needs and problems of juveniles and an identification of clear-cut priorities. In that connection, there should also be a co-ordination in the use of existing resources, including alternatives and community support that would be suitable in setting up specific procedures designed to implement and monitor established programmes.


See International Law