Ethiopian Criminal Justice Policy Analysis: focus of Juvenile Offenders
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Date
2015-05
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This paper analyzed the criminal justice policy using the cycle of social policy analysis model as
a conceptual framework. The analysis fundamentally looked at whether or not principles of
social justice have been taken into consideration. The paper also tried to find out which social
problems have been dealt with following the adaptation of the policy. Moreover, the paper
analyzed the content of the policy focusing on juvenile justice, in respect of the pertinent laws of
our country, especially the constitution. Any observed inconsistency and discrepancies were
forwarded, with the duty to bring to attention. Furthermore, the paper analyzed whether or not
the policy is based on the international standards set on Juvenile justice and how Ethiopia has
incorporated these standards in to its domestic legislations and practice. While the focus of this
paper is on juvenile justice; the paper analyzes the overall principle of policy making process by
using qualitative data analysis methods starting from the initiation to the evaluation of the policy.
A case study approach within qualitative design was used. In the study two individuals who
participated in the process of the policy making had been interviewed. Data from key informants
as well as key literature review were analyzed rigorously through consistently comparing the
major findings. The finding suggests that the policy has not been properly implemented and
evaluated and there are no preventive mechanisms for juvenile offenders. Finaly, the need for a
policy making guideline in a national perspective as well as a need for citizen awareness and
dissemination of the policy for proper implementation were forwarded as major
recommendations.
Key Words: Social Policy, Juvenile Offenders, Criminal Justice, International Law
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Keywords
Social Policy; Juvenile Offenders; Criminal Justice; International Law