CONCEPT AND DEFINITION OF JUVENILE DELINQUENCY (YOUTH OFFENDING)

Abstract

Juvenile delinquency encompasses various forms of unlawful and deviant behavior among young individuals under the age of 18. In contemporary conditions, it is gaining new dimensions due to rapid social changes, technological development, economic crises, and transformations within society. Juvenile delinquency represents significant social phenomena that directly influence the safety, social stability, and development of children. Juvenile delinquency includes different forms of unlawful behavior committed by children under 18 and is often the result of a combination of family, economic, educational, and psychological factors, which from an etiological point of view are defined as criminogenic or risk factors. From a legal perspective, juvenile delinquency is defined as unlawful or antisocial behavior committed by juveniles that triggers intervention by the juvenile justice system. Legal definitions vary across jurisdictions, particularly with regard to age limits and the classification of offenses. Juvenile delinquency includes not only acts that would constitute crimes if committed by adults, but also status offenses—behaviors like truancy or running away from home that are considered violations solely because of the offender’s age. This distinction highlights the protective and corrective orientation of juvenile justice systems, which prioritize rehabilitation over punishment. Sociological definitions expand the concept beyond legal violations by focusing on delinquency as a form of deviant behavior shaped by social structures, family environment, peer influence, education, and broader socio-economic conditions. From this perspective, juvenile delinquency is viewed as a product of socialization processes and systemic inequalities rather than merely individual wrongdoing. Psychological approaches further contribute by defining juvenile delinquency in relation to developmental factors, emotional regulation, personality traits, and cognitive maturity, recognizing that adolescents differ significantly from adults in decision-making and impulse control. The abstract underscores that juvenile delinquency is not a static or uniform concept but one that evolves across time, cultures, and legal systems. Understanding its definition requires acknowledging the interplay between age, responsibility, social context, and legal norms. A clear and comprehensive conceptualization of juvenile delinquency is essential for developing effective prevention strategies, fair legal responses, and rehabilitative interventions. By clarifying the concept and definition of juvenile delinquency, this paper contributes to a foundational understanding of juvenile delinquency (youth offending).