Which principle does juvenile justice primarily rely on?

Juvenile justice primarily relies on the principle of rehabilitation. This focus stems from the understanding that young people are still developing both cognitively and socially, making them more amenable to change compared to adults. The juvenile justice system is designed to address the root causes of delinquent behavior and to provide supportive services that can guide juveniles toward more positive life choices.

Rather than focusing on punishment or isolation, rehabilitation aims to equip young offenders with the necessary tools to reintegrate into society successfully. This can include educational programs, therapy, and community service, all of which are intended to foster personal growth and prevent future offenses. The ultimate goal is to ensure that juveniles can develop into productive, law-abiding citizens rather than perpetuating a cycle of criminal behavior.

Consequently, while concepts like retribution, deterrence, and isolation may come into play in various contexts within the criminal justice system, they are not the cornerstone of the juvenile justice approach, which is primarily rehabilitative in nature.