No age of innocence: Justice for children

Whether due to government paternalism or to simple disregard for their rights, juveniles who come into conflict with the law often face justice systems that treat them capriciously and offer fewer protections than they offer adults. Children in many countries face the wrath of the law for the ‘crimes’ of being poor, neglected or abused. Regardless of the reasons for their offences, young people are entitled to fair treatment at the hands of juvenile justice systems that are designed to aid youngsters’ return to productive society as quickly as possible.