Rights of Juveniles in the Justice System
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Bahraini national legislation, decree-laws, and ministerial orders.
Bahraini National Law
What is this right?
Bahrain has a specialized system for handling juveniles (under 18) who come into contact with the law:
- Age of criminal responsibility: Children under 15 years old cannot be held criminally responsible. Rehabilitation measures apply instead of punishment.
- Restorative justice: Law No. 4 of 2021 prioritises restorative justice — mediation, community service, and rehabilitation over imprisonment for juveniles.
- Separate facilities: Juveniles must be detained separately from adults in specialised juvenile facilities.
- Parental notification: Parents or guardians must be notified immediately when a child is arrested.
- Mandatory legal representation: A juvenile must have a lawyer present during all questioning and court proceedings.
- Privacy: Juvenile proceedings are confidential — names and details cannot be published.
When does it apply?
- A person under 18 years old has been arrested or accused of a crime.
- A child under 15 is being treated as criminally responsible (this would be unlawful).
- A juvenile is being held in an adult detention facility.
What should you do?
- Inform the authorities of the juvenile's age and provide identification if possible.
- Ensure parents or guardians are notified immediately.
- Request a lawyer — representation is mandatory for juveniles.
- If the juvenile is held with adults, report this immediately to the lawyer, prosecutor, or child protection authorities.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not allow the juvenile to be questioned without a lawyer and parent or guardian present.
- Do not accept adult criminal procedures for anyone under 18 — juvenile rules apply.
- Do not share the juvenile's identity publicly — their privacy is protected by law.
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