Vol. 13 No. 82 (2024)
Articles

Protecting children in criminal justice: a comparative analysis of legal frameworks and best practices

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  • Malahat Hajiyeva
Malahat Hajiyeva
Child Protection Department of the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan.
Author Biography

Ph.D., in Law, Doctoral student of Baku State University, Head of Child Protection Department of Azerbaijan Republic Ministry of Science and Education, Azerbaijan.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.34069/AI/2024.82.10.21

Published 2024-10-30

Keywords

  • children’s rights, legal regulation, criminal policy, juvenile justice, criminal policy instruments.

How to Cite

Hajiyeva, M. (2024). Protecting children in criminal justice: a comparative analysis of legal frameworks and best practices. Amazonia Investiga, 13(82), 264–275. https://doi.org/10.34069/AI/2024.82.10.21

Copyright (c) 2024 Malahat Hajiyeva

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

The article examines the evolution of criminal law protections for minors. Focusing on Central and Eastern Europe, with implications for Azerbaijan, it highlights the impact of historical trends, including the socialist era, on legal frameworks and policies for juvenile offenders and victims. Main purpose of the paper is to analyze the historical and modern mechanisms of protecting minors' rights within the criminal justice system, with an emphasis on aligning national practices with international legal standards. The object of the article is the system of criminal law protection for minors in Central and Eastern European countries, including Azerbaijan. The subject of the article is legal norms, historical trends, and practical measures influencing the protection of juvenile offenders and victims in the criminal justice system. Key findings include: 1. Historical and Ideological Influences: The Soviet era shaped a shared ideological approach to juvenile justice, emphasizing parental rights and educational methods. Political changes often necessitated stricter policies and revisions to address societal challenges. 2. International Legal Standards: Modern international norms have introduced alternative sanctions and public measures to improve juvenile justice systems, promoting alignment with best European practices. 3. Azerbaijan's Integration: As a former socialist state, Azerbaijan can benefit from examining shared historical trends while adhering to contemporary international legal standards to enhance minors' rights protections and integrate into the global legal community. The study employs comparative legal, historical legal, policy analysis, and case study methods to assess the effectiveness of legal frameworks and the practical application of juvenile rights protections.

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