This paper attempts to highlight the weaknesses of the juvenile justice system in Zimbabwe and makes a case for law reform. It is the author's contention that whilst juvenile justice entails balancing two important considerations, namely the need to protect society against criminal behaviour and the need to pay special attention to the personal circumstances of the offender with a view to promoting his wellbeing, the disposal however is heavily weighed in favour of protecting society and thus emphasising retribution and reparation. There is therefore very little in the criminal justice system in Zimbabwe that seeks to promote the wellbeing of the juvenile offender in any meaningful way.
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