The dimensions of juvenile delinquency in Malta

Abstract

Malta in the last five years. The research builds on findings of an earlier study by Bell (1994 ), reflecting the changes that have taken place in the delinquent phenomenon within our society over the period of, 1998-2002. The study utilises a quantitative method, namely secondary sources. Quantitative data from police citations of 310 juvenile offenders was collated and arranged into a database system. The data gives a clear picture of the extent and characteristics of such a phenomenon amongst young people in Malta arraigned before the juvenile courts. This approach does not investigate the background of delinquent offenders but helps reveal the nature of delinquent trends. The data analyses focuses on the distribution of delinquent offences and highlights offender characteristics such as, age, gender, demographic distribution, monthly offence distribution, sentences meted out and length of sittings. A major limitation of this research is that serious crimes are not being registered under the juvenile court system. The results obtained, when compared with previous studies, demonstrate that the offender is predominantly male, aged between 15 to 16 years, from the inner harbour area or central region and tends to defy authority. This study concludes with recommendations for policy, service development and research.