NEURO DEVELOPMENT AND CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY – A JUVENILE PERSPECTIVE

AUTHOR – MS. PUSHTI TANNA & MS. KHUSHI KULKARNI

STUDENTS AT KES’ SHRI JAYANTILAL PATEL LAW COLLEGE,MUMBAI

BEST CITATION – MS. PUSHTI TANNA & MS. KHUSHI KULKARNI, EMPLOYMENT INEQUALITY IN THE AGE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: CHALLENGES AND POLICY RESPONSES, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 6 (6) OF 2026, PG. 912-929, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.

ABSTARCT

Juvenile delinquency refers to illegal activities by a minor – a person who is under the age of 18. The child, if found guilty of a crime, is tried under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015. Juvenile crime has recently increased and is a concern to society, as youths are the nation’s future. This research looks into the factors of neuro psychology, brain development, disorders and other socio-economic factors that influence juvenile crime. It also discusses theories that aim to explain the abnormal behaviour in children. The study also highlights the difference between the child in conflict with the law and the child in need of care and protection, explaining their different legal treatment and implications of criminal responsibility.

The study uses a deductive method and a doctrinal research approach to understand the legal provisions, statutes and case laws to understand juvenile cases and the method of implication of criminal responsibility in relation to age. It also addresses the concept of the illusion of free will and normative standards in determining criminal responsibility. The study further analyses the establishment of criminal responsibility and mens rea in juveniles, where the cognitive ability is still developing. The research findings conclude that although the rights of children and juveniles are protected, there is a lack of infusion of neuropsychology and legal principles, which is required for a balanced legal framework between rehabilitation and accountability. 

 KEYWORDS – juvenile delinquency, cognitive ability, criminal responsibility, neuro-development and mens rea