Juvenile Justice Across Borders

A Comparative Study of India and the United States

Abstract

This study conducts a comparative analysis of the juvenile justice systems in India and the United States, examining their historical development, legislative frameworks, institutional structures, and treatment and rehabilitation approaches. The objective is to identify best practices, understand challenges, and suggest improvements within each system. India’s juvenile justice system, defined by the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, employs a centralized approach emphasizing rehabilitation and reintegration through various child care institutions. However, it faces challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and regional inconsistencies. Conversely, the U.S. juvenile justice system operates under a combination of federal and state laws, leading to significant variations across states. Historically, the U.S. has relied heavily on detention, but recent reforms have shifted focus towards community-based programs and mental health support. Challenges include racial and socioeconomic disparities and an over-reliance on detention. The study highlights that India’s uniform approach provides consistency but struggles with practical implementation, while the U.S. system’s decentralized nature fosters innovation but results in inconsistencies. Key recommendations include improving infrastructure and training in India and reducing reliance on detention in the U.S. Integrating effective practices from both systems could enhance global juvenile justice practices.