Juvenile delinquency or delinquent is a label awarded to those undertaking deviant activities which are frowned upon by the society. The age plays a vital role in defending the juveniles from stringent punishment. Recently, noticing the exponential rise in the brutal nature of the crime committed by juveniles, a few countries have decided to transition from the lenient and reformative principles to those that are austere, like the USA. While the UK and India refuse to give up on these juveniles, continuing to be faithful to the reformative and rehabilitative model. The diverse causes of Juvenile delinquency are deliberated upon, examining the genetic, psychological and biological theories are discussed. Further, certain unique and distinct forces and social institutions that correlate to juvenile delinquency are identified and elucidated. In addition to the various matters as discussed above, the author also looks into the legion of influences inciting delinquent behaviour of juveniles, such as peer groups, family and economic status, religion, school, media and other external and psychological triggers or motivators. This paper revolves around the rationale for the various approach adopted by the juvenile justice systems in India, USA and UK, and strives to highlight the lacuna in their criminal justice systems which is the inordinate priority or prominence given to the age factor while assessing and establishing the liability or culpability of a juvenile delinquent.

Keywords: Juvenile, justice system, Reformation, Delinquent, Crime.

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