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Juvenile Law in Islamabad, Pakistan refers to the legislation, regulations, and rules used to govern matters involving minors, under the age of 18. Legal proceedings for juveniles operate under the Juvenile Justice System Ordinance (JJSO), 2000. The Ordinance provides provisions for protections of the rights of children in conflict with the law and focuses on rehabilitation over punitive measures. Despite this, there are common issues related to the execution of these laws and the interpretation of their boundary conditions.
You may need a lawyer if your child has been accused of a crime, or if you consider that his or her rights have not been respected according to the JJSO. Legal assistance is crucial in explaining the intricacies of these laws and representing your child's rights. Lawyers can further negotiate/facilitate the process if there are instances of probation, bail, or sentencing to counsel homes.
The primary law governing Juvenile Law in Islamabad, Pakistan, is the Juvenile Justice System Ordinance of 2000. Some of its key aspects include the provision of separate courts and judges for juvenile cases, the prohibition of capital punishment and life imprisonment for children, and the absolute prohibition of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. Also, it advocates for the children's right to privacy, stipulating that children must be separated from adults during detention, and trials should be conducted in privacy.
The age of criminal responsibility in Pakistan is set at seven years. However, children between seven and twelve who lack the maturity of understanding are exempted from criminal responsibility according to the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).
Juveniles have the right to be treated with dignity, free from cruelty, and with respect. They enjoy the right to a prompt and fair trial, legal assistance, protection of privacy, and an overall emphasis on rehabilitation rather than punishment.
Upon being accused of a crime, the child should be brought before a magistrate within 24 hours and given the opportunity to contact his or her parents/guardians and a lawyer. The trial is to be held separately from adults and focused on rehabilitation.
In most cases, parents are not held criminally liable for their children's actions. However, parents can be held civilly liable for their children's actions in some instances.
Probation is an alternative to a direct sentence, allowing a child offender to remain in his or her own home under supervision rather than serving time in a detention facility. Probation officers monitor the child to ensure that they comply with court rulings. The length of probation varies and depends on the nature of the crime and the child's behavior.
Organizations like the Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC) and Sahil are dedicated to advocating for juveniles' rights in Islamabad. Government resources like the Ministry of Human Rights also provide tools and guidelines to uphold children's rights.
If you need legal assistance in juvenile law in Islamabad, start by finding advocate or lawyer specializing in juvenile law. Then, arrange a consultation to help explain your situation, understand potential outcomes, and discuss the defense strategy. The lawyer can guide you on understanding the local laws, your rights and how to navigate the legal system.
