Hoe de liefde voor het delinquente kind verdween

The vanishing affection for the delinquent child – A reflection on the shifting political sentiment towards minors in juvenile justice This article examines the history of the declining affection for juvenile delinquents. An analysis of four legislative debates on juvenile criminal law reveals that political affection for the delinquent child has changed significantly over time. Around 1900, a pastoral sense of care was still evident, whereas in recent years, society itself seems to have become the object of protection under juvenile criminal law, rather than the child. The article concludes, drawing on the thinking of Hannah Arendt, by arguing that lawmakers must dare to understand delinquent youth as a surprise rather than a threat.