School-aged children and other juveniles can indeed be charged, prosecuted, and convicted for criminal activities.
During his “Issues in the News” commentary on Tuesday night, Attorney General Anil Nandlall addressed growing concerns regarding the rise of illegal and violent conduct among students in schools.
He firmly rejected misconceptions surrounding the legal status of juveniles, asserting that they can be investigated by the police and placed before the courts.
Nandlall said reports have emerged suggesting a misunderstanding of the Juvenile Justice Act, where some people believe that juveniles are immune to criminal charges.
Nandlall emphasized that this notion is “absolutely false,” clarifying that the Act provides a framework for handling cases involving minors but does not grant them immunity from the law.
“The Juvenile Justice Act outlines a different regime for juveniles when they come into conflict with the law,” Nandlall explained.
“However, they are still answerable to the criminal justice system. There is no exemption from investigation, charge, prosecution, or conviction for juvenile offenders,” he added.
The Attorney General also addressed concerns regarding the police’s role in investigating juvenile crimes, stating that some members of law enforcement have the mistaken view that they cannot pursue cases involving delinquent minors.
“This is a complete misunderstanding,” he noted.
Nandlall stated that all individuals, regardless of age, must face the consequences of their actions.
“Juveniles are defined within the law and are subject to its provisions,” he said.
“While we recognize their young age and the need for a different approach, they do not enjoy any form of impunity,” he added.
