Criminal Responsibility of Juveniles: A Comparative Review of Islamic Jurisprudence, Pakistani Laws, and International Treaties

کم عمر افراد کی فوجداری مسئولیت: فقہ اسلامی، پاکستانی قوانین، اور بین الاقوامی معاہدات کا تقابلی جائزہ

Abstract

This research provides an extensive analysis of juvenile criminal liability under the frameworks of Islamic jurisprudence, Pakistani laws, and international conventions. Islamic law stresses the principles of justice, mercy, and rehabilitation, focusing on moral maturity and age as key criteria for criminal accountability. Pakistani legal provisions, particularly the Juvenile Justice System Ordinance 2000 and the Juvenile Justice System Act 2018, aim to safeguard children's rights and ensure rehabilitation through human rights-based approaches. International conventions, such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), lay down global standards for child protection, though at times they conflict or align with Islamic principles. This research offers a comparative analysis of these legal frameworks, identifies areas of conflict, and suggests recommendations for achieving greater legal harmonization.