PSYCHOSOCIAL AND STRUCTURAL CHALLENGES FACED BY JUVENILES IN THE JUSTICE SYSTEM OF PAKISTAN: A REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Abstract

Juvenile justice system in Pakistan is marked by a lot of structural, legal, and psychosocial issues that create barriers in terms of protection, rehabilitation, and integration of young offenders. This paper provides a review of the literature available in order to discuss the main problems that face juveniles in the justice system and specifically how juveniles can access an attorney, procedural fairness, and psychological well-being of children in conflict with the law. Past studies have indicated that a significant number of juveniles do not get proper legal representation, are subjected to extended periods of detention, and in most cases are not subjected to systems that are well adjusted to their developmental requirements. Other factors like poverty, family instability, limited education and social marginalization which are socioeconomic predispose the youth to criminal activities and make them less likely to be rehabilitated. The institutional failures discussed in the review are also caused by lack of adequate preparation of law enforcers, inefficiency in enforcement of juvenile protection laws, and lack of rehabilitation and counseling facilities. Psychosocially, jailing and opening up juveniles to hard legal conditions could have long-term emotional and behavioral effects. The paper addresses the necessity to enhance the legal protection, enhance access to specialized juvenile courts, and increase rehabilitation-based interventions. It is necessary to address these structural loopholes in order to have a more child-focused justice system that is concerned with protection, fair treatment, and effective reintegration of the juveniles into the society.