Legal Mechanisms for the Protection of Juvenile Delinquents in Algerian Legislation

Abstract

Both the child at risk and the juvenile delinquent are considered victims, regardless of whether they are the perpetrator or the victim of a crime. Modern legal policy views the child at risk as a victim of both personal and environmental factors, as well as other individuals. This impacts their personality, sense of self, and security first, and their behavior that masks the crime second. These two types of children represent two sides of the same coin, and neither can be solely labeled as a victim or a criminal. Consequently, the Algerian legislature has adopted the concept of the "child at risk." Due to the ongoing debate surrounding this concept, the same legislature has established legal protection for children by enacting a well-defined and comprehensive law, considered closer to ideal, dedicated solely to serving children. This law, referred to as Law 15-12 concerning the Protection of the Child, is complemented by various other legislative texts.