Year: 2010
Organization: Centre for Public Policy PROVIDUS
Funding: European Commission, Society Integration Fund
Language: English
The research study “Restorative Justice vs. Juvenile Delinquency: the Baltic States in the European Dimension” was undertaken within the frame of Project Restorative Justice vs. Juvenile Delinquency: the Baltic States in the European Dimension financed by the European Commission.
The research focuses on the impact of the philosophy and principles of restorative justice on the legal instruments of criminal and Juvenile Justice in the Baltic States.
Principles of Restorative Justice have influenced the development of the criminal procedure in Latvia and other Baltic States and have promoted the development of new legal mechanisms, however, the potential of Restorative Justice has not yet been appreciated in full and its application is still insufficient in terms of its spread and systemic application. In an attempt to ensure an effective reaction to offences, it is essential to promote a wider application of Restorative Justice principles in practice, thus developing criminal justice that does not focus on the penalisation of the offender but on addressing the criminal conflict and preventing criminal recidivism. It is particularly important in respect of minors with immature personalities, and depending on the strategy followed in combating crime and the reaction of the state to the committed offence, they may stay on the path of criminality or, just the opposite, never ever violate prohibitions contained in criminal law.
The research assesses the traditional approach to reducing crime as well as the capacity of specific criminal penalties and other legal instruments in restoring justice. The purpose of the research is to promote the development of new criminal and Juvenile Justice, linking their bases and aims to the philosophy of Restorative Justice.
A summary and analysis have been undertaken within the frame of the Project of statistical data, legal acts, examples of good practice and initiatives concerning the implementation of Juvenile Justice in the Baltic States.
In the course of implementing the Project recommendations were formulated and a development strategy developed concerning the wider application of principles and instruments of Juvenile Justice in the criminal procedure if the person suspected of having committed a criminal offence or charged with the commission of a criminal offence is a minor.
Research findings and proposals were discussed at the international conference “Restorative Justice vs. Juvenile Delinquency: the Baltic States in the European Dimension”, held in Riga, on 25–27 November 2009. You can find overall information about the conference, including conference presentations in English, here.
 | The project has been done with the financial support of Criminal Justice programme of European Commission General Directorate – Justice – Freedom and Security – within the framework of project “Restorative Justice in the Aspect of Juvenile Delinquency: Baltic States in European Dimension.” |
 | This project has been developed with the support of the “Europe for Citizens” Programme of the European Union. This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. |
 | This publication has been created by State budget programme “NGO co-financing of the budget programme” within the funding of Society Integration Foundation. |