Juvenile Justice Act, 2003 (Act 653)

PART I—RIGHT OF JUVENILE, ARREST AND CAUTION

Section 1—Juvenile.
(1) For purposes of the Act a juvenile is a person under eighteen years who is in conflict with the law.
(2) A juvenile shall be dealt with in a manner which is different from an adult, except under exceptional circumstances under section 17.

Section 2—Welfare Principle.
The best interest of a juvenile shall be
(a) paramount in any matter concerned with the juvenile; and
(b) the primary consideration by a juvenile court, institution or other body in any matter concerned with a juvenile.

PART II—JUVENILE COURT

Section 21—Appearance of Juvenile in Court and Bail.
(1) When a juvenile appears before a juvenile court charged with any offence, the court shall enquire into the case and, unless there is a serious danger to the juvenile or the community, release the juvenile on bail.

(2) A juvenile granted bail shall be released from custody after giving security or accepting specified conditions.

(3) Bail may be granted on the juvenile's own undertaking or with sureties from the parents, guardian, or close relative of the juvenile or a responsible person.

(4) The amount of the bail shall be fixed with due regard to the circumstances of the case and shall not be excessive or harsh.