Troubled youth : a comparative study of the youth justice systems of Malta and Sweden : a qualitative study

Abstract

This study focuses on the respective youth justice systems of Malta and Sweden, and what the courts can do for the youths that end up before them. In particular we examine the respective sanctions available to the courts in Malta and Sweden in their work with young offenders. Prior to reviewing the sanctions available to the courts, and what they mean in practice, we also make a thorough review of what the literature and research of today advocate. We here display not only what the literature and research deem as best practice within youth justice sanctions, but focus is also placed on the mode in which these can and should be applied. In connection with the examining of the respective sanctions and youth justice systems of Malta and Sweden, a brief retrospect of their origins and histories provided. Subsequently a comparison of the youth justice systems of Malta and Sweden is made, as well as of their current practices versus what the literature tells us is made. From this we extract the current standing of youth justice and sanctions in Malta and Sweden as well as internationally, and where we ought to be heading.