Forensic Psychiatry And Juvenile Justice: Are Indian Laws Keeping Up With Science?
- IJLLR Journal
- Jul 4
- 1 min read
Sakshee Gore, Manikchand Pahade Law College Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
ABSTRACT
This research paper investigates the intersection between forensic psychiatry and juvenile justice in India, focusing particularly on the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. As neuroscience and behavioral sciences offer increasingly refined insights into juvenile cognition, culpability, and rehabilitation potential, Indian legal frameworks must evolve to remain just and effective. This paper critically evaluates whether current Indian laws adequately reflect contemporary psychiatric knowledge about adolescent brain development and criminal responsibility. Employing a doctrinal and analytical methodology, the paper explores case laws, international models, and neuro-legal findings, offering original reform proposals rooted in science. It concludes that while the Juvenile Justice Act has made strides, significant legislative and procedural reforms are needed to incorporate cutting-edge forensic psychiatry into juvenile adjudication and rehabilitation.
