Challenges and Prospects of the Criminal Justice System in Handling Child Victims and Alleged Offenders in Ethiopia

2020 ◽  
pp. 0306624X2094466
Author(s):  
Nahom Eyasu ◽  
Sisay Haile ◽  
Yosef Tesfaye
Keyword(s):  
Criminal Justice ◽  
Criminal Justice System ◽  
Child Protection ◽  
Justice System ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Child Victims ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
North West ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Child Friendly

The current study aims to explore the challenges and prospects of the criminal justice system in handling child victims and alleged offenders in Bahir Dar metropolitan city, North West Ethiopia. A qualitative research design was adopted to achieve this goal. Primary data was collected through semi-structured interviews conducted with victimized children ( n = 25) and in-depth interviews conducted with key informants ( n = 15). Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. The general emergent theme— encumbrance and motivation reflected the challenges and opportunities of the criminal justice system in handling child victims and alleged offenders, respectively. The results from the study revealed that the absence of child-friendly police stations, limited overall assessments and psychosocial supports for child victims, slow, tardy and insensitive justice process, and legal system gaps were critical issues at the initial police contact, investigation, and trial stages of the criminal justice system. It appears from this study that the wellbeing and support needs of victims and witnesses are not yet being adequately addressed. In this study, a major challenge identified was the deficit of law enforcement in the criminal justice system as to the detection and investigation of a crime involving child victims. On the other hand, the initiatives to introduce child protection units and child-friendly police stations, provision of support and assistance, and awareness-raising about child-friendly practices among the criminal justice system are the major prospects that have been taken place within the criminal justice system.

scholarly journals PERAN PENYIDIK DALAM PENERAPAN DIVERSI TERHADAP PERKARA TINDAK PIDANA ANAKDI WILAYAH KABUPATEN POHUWATO

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-46
Author(s):  
MUHAMMAD RIZAL LAMPATTA
Keyword(s):  
Criminal Justice ◽  
Criminal Justice System ◽  
Child Protection ◽  
Justice System ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Data Sources ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Research Libraries ◽  
Professional Worker

The perpetrator of the criminal act of the child cannot be equated with criminal adults. Therefore, it needs more attention in the case of children. However, the child is the successor Nations that should be developed physically and mentally. The purpose of this research is to analyze the role of the Ombudsman in the performance of Marisa Polres versioned as well as analyze constraints are faced by Investigators in implementation Marisa Polres versioned. This type of research is research used empirical research focus i.e. normative on secondary data sources (research libraries). This research uses the main data source, i.e. secondary data, backed up with primary data sources. Secondary data is used that is derived from legislation such as the ACT on criminal justice system of the child, the child protection ACT, Act No. 8 Of 1981 Year Book of the Police Act, Police ACT and some of the literature-literature as well as the results of his research, and books related to the role of the Ombudsman in conducting versioned on criminal act committed by the child. Research results show that Marisa Polres in performing the investigation is a criminal act committed by the child by women and children protection Unit (UPPA). Starting from the stage of investigation, arrest, detention up at the stage of investigation conducted in accordance with the mandate of the ACT on the criminal justice system. Investigators in conducting versioned, get consideration from BAPAS. In addition, the investigators also act/mediator to conduct deliberations involving the child and the parent/guardian, the victim and the parent/guardian, supervisor of community, social professional worker based on approach restorative. Obstacles faced by Investigators in the conduct of Marisa Polres diversion that is not yet the existence of BAPAS in counties Marisa so complicate investigators to coordinate in terms of asking for consideration in doing versioned. In addition the party victims sometimes do not want to make peace so that the attempted diversion by Investigators was not achieved.

scholarly journals Strength of provision and law protection of children's witnesses

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 133-140
Author(s):  
Rahmida Erliyani
Keyword(s):  
Criminal Justice ◽  
Criminal Justice System ◽  
Child Protection ◽  
Justice System ◽  
Legal Protection ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Child Testimony ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Religious Courts

The purpose of this study is to explain the concept of a child witness according to the criminal evidence proving law, and how the protection for children as a witness, as well as how the strength of evidence of child testimony in the criminal justice system. This research is normative legal research that focuses on secondary data by describing the execution of religious courts in regulating child custody cases. The type of data used is the type of primary data and secondary data. Analysis of the data used is a qualitative way with the legislation approach, case approach, and analysis approach. The results showed that the concept of a child's Witness does not qualify as valid witness evidence. Children as Witnesses are entitled to receive legal protection as regulated in the Child Protection Act and the Criminal Justice System for Children and the Witness and Victim Protection Act. The strength of proof of a child's testimony only has value if it is connected with other evidence.

scholarly journals ANALISIS NILAI KEADILAN RESTORATIF PADA PENERAPAN HUKUM ADAT DI INDONESIA

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 201-226
Author(s):  
Destri Tsurayya Istiqamah
Keyword(s):  
Criminal Justice ◽  
Criminal Justice System ◽  
Restorative Justice ◽  
Child Protection ◽  
Justice System ◽  
Indigenous Populations ◽  
Child Victims ◽  
Traditional Values ◽  
Distinct Approach ◽  
Limited Scope

Already in 2014, restorative justice as a distinct approach within the general criminal justice system had been used as the basis to treat child victims and offenders (the child protection Act of 2014).  Nonetheless it is worth noticing that long before the promulgation of this Act, restorative justice has been used and is embedded in the living law of the Indonesian indigenous populations. This paper, using a descriptive analytical method, shall elaborate upon those traditional values found in the living law of the indigenous populations which resembles or reflects a restorative justice approach. In addition the author argues that this approach should also be used outside the limited scope of children criminal justice system. 

scholarly journals TINJAUAN YURIDIS TERHADAP PEMENUHAN HAK-HAK ANAK DI LEMBAGA PEMASYARAKATAN KLAS I A MAKASSAR

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-57
Author(s):  
HERLINA SULAIMAN
Keyword(s):  
Criminal Justice ◽  
Criminal Justice System ◽  
Child Protection ◽  
Justice System ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Data Sources ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Research Libraries ◽  
Child Research

The perpetrator of the criminal act of the child cannot be equated with criminal adults. Therefore it needs more attention in the case of children. However, the child is the successor Nations that should be developed physically and mentally. The purpose of this research is to analyze the role of the Ombudsman in the performance of Marisa Polres versioned as well as analyze constraints are faced by Investigators in Marisa Polres versioned. This type of research is research used empirical research focus i.e. normative on secondary data sources (research libraries). This research uses the main data source i.e. secondary data, backed up with primary data sources. Secondary data is used that is derived from legislation such as the ACT on the criminal justice system of the child, the child protection ACT, Act No. 8 Of 1981 Year Book of the Police Act, Police ACT and some of the literature-literature as well as the results of his research,  and books related to the role of the Ombudsman in conducting versioned on criminal act committed by the child. Research results show that Marisa Polres in performing the investigation is a criminal act committed by the child by women and children protection Unit (UPPA). Starting from the stage of investigation, arrest, detention up at the stage of investigation conducted in accordance with the mandate of the ACT on the criminal justice system. Investigators in conducting versioned, get consideration from BAPAS. In addition, the investigators also act as mediator to conduct deliberations involving the child and the parent/guardian, the victim and the parent/guardian, supervisor of community, social professional pekera based on approach restorative. Obstacles faced by Investigators in the conduct of Marisa Polres diversion that is not yet the existence of BAPAS in counties Marisa so complicate investigators to coordinate-in terms of asking for consideration in doing versioned. In addition the party victims sometimes do not want to make peace so that the attempted diversion by Investigators was not achieved.

scholarly journals Legal Protection of the Rights of the Child Victims in Indonesian Juvenile Criminal Justice System

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (01) ◽  
pp. 24-35
Author(s):  
Oksidelfa Yanto ◽  
Yoyon M. Darusman ◽  
Susanto Susanto ◽  
Aria Dimas Harapan
Keyword(s):  
Criminal Justice ◽  
School Violence ◽  
Criminal Justice System ◽  
Child Protection ◽  
Justice System ◽  
Physical Violence ◽  
Legal Protection ◽  
Child Victims ◽  
Rights Of The Child ◽  
Victims Of Violence

This research purposes to observe the development of crimes against children in Indonesia. Firstly, will take a closer look toward the importance of child protection in family, school and the environment from violence and crime. Secondly, will evaluate how far the criminal justice system can give protection toward the children as victims of violence and crime. Thirdly, looking at the state responsibility in giving sanctions through the criminal justice system. The method used in this research is juridical-normative by collecting secondary data related to legislation and materials obtained from books, journals, and other relevant materials. The observation result shown that many children are victims of violence. The victimization is basically everywhere, not only at home, but also at school. Violence in schools is not merely physical violence, but also psychological. The responsibility for protecting, educating, and developing children lies in the environment, family, and school. The function of criminal law to fight crimes against children's rights is a major factor in the success of the juvenile criminal justice system.

What of the Child? Preventing the Publication of Children's Names After the Age of 18

2021 ◽  
Vol 24 ◽  
pp. 1-31
Author(s):  
Sophy Baird
Keyword(s):  
Criminal Justice ◽  
Criminal Justice System ◽  
Justice System ◽  
Freedom Of Expression ◽  
Best Interests ◽  
Child Victims ◽  
Criminal Proceedings ◽  
The Right To Privacy ◽  
The Face ◽  
The Right

Children are afforded a number of protections when they encounter the criminal justice system. The need for special protection stems from the vulnerable position children occupy in society. When children form part of the criminal justice system, either by being an offender, victim, or witness, they may be subjected to harm. To mitigate against the potential harm that may be caused, our law provides that criminal proceedings involving children should not be open to the public, subject to the discretion of the court. This protection naturally seems at odds with the principle of open justice. However, the courts have reconciled the limitation with the legal purpose it serves. For all the protection and the lengths that the law goes to protect the identity of children in this regard, it appears there is an unofficial timer dictating when this protection should end. The media have been at the forefront of this conundrum to the extent that they believe that once a child (offender, victim, or witness) turns 18 years old, they are free to reveal the child's identity. This belief, grounded in the right to freedom of expression and the principle of open justice, is at odds with the principle of child's best interests, right to dignity and the right to privacy. It also stares incredulously in the face of the aims of the Child Justice Act and the principles of restorative justice. Measured against the detrimental psychological effects experienced by child victims, witnesses, and offenders, this article aims to critically analyse the legal and practical implications of revealing the identity of child victims, witnesses, and offenders after they turn 18 years old.

Prosecuting controlling or coercive behaviour in England and Wales: Media reports of a novel offence

2019 ◽  
pp. 174889581988094
Author(s):  
Paul McGorrery ◽  
Marilyn McMahon
Keyword(s):  
Domestic Violence ◽  
Criminal Justice ◽  
Criminal Justice System ◽  
Justice System ◽  
Empirical Evaluation ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
England And Wales ◽  
Gender And Age ◽  
Media Reports

The offence of controlling or coercive behaviour came into effect in England and Wales in December 2015, and related offences have since been enacted in Scotland and Ireland. To date, there has been almost no empirical evaluation of the operationalisation of the new English and Welsh offence. This article fills that gap by analysing media reports relating to 107 individuals convicted of controlling or coercive behaviour, providing a profile of offenders and victims (gender and age), the types of abusive behaviours offenders engaged in and how the cases progressed through the criminal justice system (manner of conviction, sentencing outcomes). Media reporting of these cases is also discussed. The results suggest that the offence is (appropriately) operationalised in a highly gendered manner, that it has captured a diverse range of behaviours that would not previously have been considered criminal, and that media reports of this form of domestic violence have not demonstrated the negativity towards victims identified in previous studies. Further research of primary data is required to confirm these findings.

Combating Rx Drug Misuse: Incarcerated Women’s Proactive and Reactive Policy Recommendations

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (8) ◽  
pp. 1229-1249
Author(s):  
Jennifer Gatewood Owens ◽  
Michelle Smirnova
Keyword(s):  
Criminal Justice ◽  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Criminal Justice System ◽  
Justice System ◽  
Incarcerated Women ◽  
Drug Misuse ◽  
Drug Control ◽  
Medical Professionals ◽  
Policy Recommendations ◽  
Structured Interviews

Given the rapid increase in prescription (Rx) drug misuse, overdose, and drug-related arrests, the purpose of this study is to identify strategies to combat Rx misuse from the perspective of former Rx drug misusers who are presently incarcerated. Using semi-structured interviews, we elicited such recommendations from 33 incarcerated women in the Midwest with histories of Rx drug misuse. The policy recommendations put forth by the women tended to be proactive rather than reactive and focused upon more vigilant surveillance and prevention efforts by medical professionals. While there was little mention of the criminal justice system or incarceration, women did also advocate for better treatment and rehabilitation options. Users affected by Rx misuse suggested more proactive approaches in dealing with Rx misuse that would ultimately shift drug control responsibilities from law enforcement to doctors.

Rights of Child Victims and Child Witnesses in Criminal Justice in Viet Nam

2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 88-101
Author(s):  
Thi Nga Le
Keyword(s):  
Criminal Justice ◽  
Criminal Justice System ◽  
Justice System ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
International Standards ◽  
Child Witnesses ◽  
Child Victims ◽  
Viet Nam ◽  
Global Integration ◽  
Criminal Cases

Over the last few years, Viet Nam’s economy has developed quickly and changed social values through global integration. The numbers of children who have been victims and witnesses of crime have increased. From the most common points of entry into a criminal case, there should be a set of regulations governing the rights of child victims and child witnesses in all stages of the criminal process and the child welfare system. The article argues that the rights of children as victims and witnesses in criminal cases in Viet Nam still lack the necessary safeguards and are not compatible with international law. Although the criminal justice system of Viet Nam has been improved to protect children’s rights, there are still many challenges to ensure and protect the rights of children when they participate in the criminal justice system as victims and witnesses. To narrow the gap between the international standards and the national legal system in juvenile criminal justice in Viet Nam, this article examines the problems in criminal justice to protect child victims and child witnesses in Viet Nam. The research is based on international standards of juvenile criminal justice and uses comparative and quantitative methods. It discusses how the national criminal justice system can be reformed to prevent child victims and witnesses from being abused.

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