SCIENTIFIC APPROACHES TO THE DEFINITION OF THE CONCEPT OF JUVENILE CRIME

Abstract

In the article the author considers theoretical bases of definition of concept of juvenile crime. It is noted that criminally illegal activity is one of the main problems that destabilizes a number of important social relations in the state. Quite a significant percentage of the total number of criminal offenses are committed by minors, which indicates that modern criminal law and criminological measures and tools do not fully meet the requirements of today’s realities. Attention is drawn to the fact that using the concept of “juvenile delinquency”, most scholars do not resort to the disclosure of its content and do not offer its definition. At the same time, based on the general context in which this concept is used, and use it as a synonym for the concept of “juvenile delinquency”. It is pointed out that given Ukraine’s strategic course towards European and Euro-Atlantic integration (as provided by the Constitution of Ukraine), it should be taken into account that the term “juvenile crime” is more semantically close to the English term “Juvenile Delinquency”, known in foreign countries. The author points out that the inclusion in the content of this concept of juvenile delinquency is impractical, as each of the two above-mentioned segments of crime has its own specifics, and they should be separated from each other, including the use of different terminology. It is stated that taking into account the position on the synonymous connection of the concepts of “juvenile crime” and “juvenile delinquency”, to refine scientific approaches to the definition of juvenile delinquency and its features, it is advisable to rely on existing scientific provisions on the concept of juvenile delinquency, more detailed theoretical development. It is concluded that the modern domestic criminal law doctrine needs to be improved in terms of improving the conceptual and categorical apparatus, special attention should be paid to juvenile criminal activity.