The criminalisation of parental child abduction in Malta : a comparative analysis

Abstract

The aim of this study is to compare and analyze the criminal laws in another country with regards to parental child abduction, as a basis for future research to propose possible amendments to the Maltese Criminal Code in this respect. Chapter 1 starts by delving into literature review primarily into the Hague Child Abduction Convention of 1980, followed by Maltese existing laws and the United Kingdom criminal laws with regards to parental child abduction. Chapter 2 will explain the methodology opted for this research, the reasons why the researcher chose this methodology and also describes some of its strengths and weaknesses. In Chapter 3, Malta’s position on parental child abduction, including different judgements, will be reviewed. Through Chapter 4, the UK’s position on parental child abduction, including the characteristics of parental child abduction, the criminal sanctions and sentencing related to the offence will be discussed. Finally, Chapter 5 concludes the dissertation. This is where the researcher proposes possible recommendations for future research which could be carried out to better comprehend this topic and possibly aid in future law amendments.