Juvenile Rights
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Kuwaiti national legislation, Amiri decrees, and ministerial decisions.
Kuwaiti National Law
What is this right?
Kuwait has special protections for minors who come into contact with the criminal justice system:
- The age of criminal responsibility in Kuwait is 7 years, but children aged 7 to 15 are handled through juvenile welfare measures, not criminal punishment.
- Juveniles (under 18) must be tried in specialised juvenile courts.
- Juvenile proceedings are confidential — they cannot be publicised.
- Detention of minors is a last resort — the court should prefer reformatory or community-based measures.
- Parents or guardians must be notified immediately when a juvenile is detained.
When does it apply?
- Your child (under 18) has been arrested or accused of an offence.
- You are a minor who has been stopped, questioned, or detained by police.
What should you do?
- Insist on juvenile court jurisdiction — the child should not be tried in adult court.
- Demand notification of parents immediately upon detention.
- Hire a lawyer who specialises in juvenile cases.
- Request that the child be placed in a juvenile care facility rather than an adult detention centre.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not let a minor be interrogated alone — a parent, guardian, or lawyer should be present.
- Do not allow the child's identity to be published — juvenile cases are confidential.
- Do not accept adult sentencing for a juvenile offender — challenge the jurisdiction.
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