Research project Children in conflict with the law and criminal procedure

The legal system is influenced by both child protection and treatment interests, as well as penalty oriented strategies and an aim to protect the society from consequences from juvenile delinquency.  The underlying and contradictory objectives has caused a system of procedural provisions that are difficult to apply and to interpret; both for the law enforcer and for the children in conflict with the law.

Although the Swedish strategy for handling children in conflict with the law in many ways bears resemblance with the other Nordic countries, children in Sweden can formally and legally be suspected and accused of committing crimes. Even though the penal sanctions are excluded when the offender is below the age of 15, this model invokes a stricter view on due process rights and the fair trial guarantees.