NCJ Number
164974
Date Published
1996
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This overview of Greece's juvenile justice system addresses its operating principles, formal procedures, and differences between the adult and the juvenile systems.
Abstract
A review of the history of the Greek juvenile justice system shows that, although it is based on a number of principles that promise humane treatment for juveniles, there is room for improvement both in principle and in practice. The lack of comprehensive research on the causes of delinquency in Greece and the effectiveness of the existing measures makes it difficult to propose suggestions for change. There is, however, increasing interest by the state as well as legal and social scientists in juvenile delinquency and official reactions to delinquent behavior. Among the issues being discussed is the changing of terminology regarding juveniles who break the law. In accordance with labeling theory, some legal scholars have argued that the legal reference to juvenile criminality should be changed to a term that would better express internationally used terms, such as "juvenile delinquency." Legal scholars have also argued that the juvenile justice system needs new regulations to deal with procedural issues, such as the right to appeal, the sanctioning of juveniles, length of sentencing to correctional institutions, and types of sanctioned behavior. Of primary concern, however, should be the establishment of facilities that can house juvenile offenders while providing educational and vocational training. Still, the juvenile justice system continues to be distinguished from the adult criminal system in its focus on informal case processing and treatment. 3 notes, 16 references, and appended directory of juvenile agencies