THE REGULATION OF JUVENILE DETENTION IN JORDANIAN LEGISLATION AND INTERNATIONAL TREATIES

Abstract This study explores the legal framework governing the detention of juvenile offenders under Jordanian legislation, with a particular focus on the Juvenile Law No. (32) of 2014. The research aims to assess the extent to which Jordanian provisions align with international standards related to juvenile justice, especially those enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) and the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Administration of Juvenile Justice (The Beijing Rules). The study adopts a descriptive-analytical methodology and is structured into two main chapters. It addresses the concept of juvenile delinquency, the categorization of juvenile age groups, the scope of criminal responsibility, and the legal measures and sanctions applicable at various stages. It further examines the legal basis, conditions, and justifications for juvenile detention under both Jordanian law and relevant international instruments. The research identifies legislative gaps, particularly the procedural regulation of juvenile detention, the absence of express provisions regarding the exceptional nature of such measures, and the limited recognition of the specialized role of public prosecutors in juvenile cases. In conclusion, the study provides a set of recommendations aimed at enhancing legislative clarity and ensuring compliance with international legal standards to better protect the best interests of the child and promote a rehabilitative approach to juvenile justice.