das  Jugendstrafrecht

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈjuːɡntˌʃtʁaːfʁɛçt/

📜 What does "das Jugendstrafrecht" mean?

Das Jugendstrafrecht refers to the part of criminal law specifically applied to offenses committed by Jugendliche (juveniles, persons aged 14-17) and sometimes also by Heranwachsende (young adults, aged 18-20) in Germany. It is regulated in the Jugendgerichtsgesetz (JGG) - the Juvenile Court Act.

The central idea of Jugendstrafrecht is the Erziehungsgedanke (educational principle). Unlike in adult criminal law (Erwachsenenstrafrecht), the focus is not primarily on punishment or retribution, but on the educational influence on the young person to prevent future offenses.

Therefore, there is only one meaning and the definite article is always das.

🧐 Grammar under the Microscope: Das Jugendstrafrecht

The word "Jugendstrafrecht" is a neuter noun (sächlich). It is typically used only in the singular because it refers to a field of law as a whole.

A plural ("die Jugendstrafrechte") is grammatically possible but highly unusual. It might refer to different legal systems or historical forms of juvenile law.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Das deutsche Jugendstrafrecht legt besonderen Wert auf erzieherische Maßnahmen.
   (German juvenile justice law places special emphasis on educational measures.)
2. Der Anwalt ist Spezialist für Fragen des Jugendstrafrechts.
   (The lawyer specializes in matters of juvenile justice law.)
3. Im Studium beschäftigten wir uns intensiv mit dem Jugendstrafrecht.
   (During our studies, we dealt intensively with juvenile justice law.)

💡 Usage in Context

The term das Jugendstrafrecht is primarily used in legal and socio-pedagogical discourse.

• Typical Contexts: Discussions about juvenile delinquency, court proceedings against juveniles/young adults, reforms in criminal law, social work measures related to youth crime.
• Distinction: It must be clearly distinguished from Erwachsenenstrafrecht (adult criminal law), which applies to persons aged 21 and over (or young adults not subject to juvenile law). It should also be distinguished from Jugendhilferecht (youth welfare law, part of social law, regulated in SGB VIII), which covers preventive and supportive measures for children and adolescents but has no punitive character.
• Special Feature: The focus on the Erziehungsgedanke (§ 2 JGG) shapes its entire application and the possible legal consequences (e.g., educational measures, disciplinary measures, juvenile detention).

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Aid: Think of das Recht (the law / the right). The word "Recht" is neuter. Since "Jugendstrafrecht" is a type of law, it takes the same article: das Jugendstrafrecht.

Meaning Aid: Picture a young person (Jugend) who has gone astray (facing Strafe - punishment). The law (Recht) tries to guide them back to the right path – with education as the focus. That's das Jugendstrafrecht.

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms for Jugendstrafrecht

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Richter den jugendlichen Angeklagten: "Warum haben Sie die alte Dame bestohlen?"
Antwortet der Jugendliche: "Herr Richter, das war reine Erziehungsmaßnahme! Ich wollte ihr beibringen, besser auf ihre Wertsachen aufzupassen."

(Translation: The judge asks the young defendant: "Why did you steal from the old lady?"
The youth replies: "Your Honor, that was purely an educational measure! I wanted to teach her to take better care of her valuables.")

(Please don't try this at home – it definitely falls under Jugendstrafrecht!) 😉

✒️ A Themed Poem

Ein junger Mensch, ein falscher Schritt,
das Leben hält ihn fest im Ritt.
Doch nicht nur Strafe, kalt und schwer,
das Jugendstrafrecht will viel mehr.

Es fragt nach Grund, nach Weg, nach Ziel,
Erziehung gilt ihm unendlich viel.
Ein zweiter Start, 'ne offne Hand,
im deutschen Recht, im Vaterland.

A young person, a misstep made,
Life holds them tightly, unafraid.
But not just punishment, cold and severe,
das Jugendstrafrecht holds much more dear.

It asks for reason, path, and goal,
Education plays an immense role.
A second start, an open hand,
In German law, throughout the land.

❓ A Little Riddle

Ich bin ein Gesetzbuchteil, speziell und klar,
für Missetaten unter achtzehn Jahr' (manchmal auch mehr, fürwahr!).
Erziehung steht bei mir ganz obenan,
nicht Rache oder strenger Bann.

Wie heiße ich, mit sächlichem Kleid?

I'm part of the law, specific and clear,
For misdeeds under eighteen year (sometimes more, it's true, my dear!).
Education is my top priority,
Not vengeance or strict authority.

What is my name, with a neuter guise?

Solution: das Jugendstrafrecht

🌐 Further Information

Word Composition:

The word "Jugendstrafrecht" is a compound noun, composed of:

• Jugend: (Youth) - Refers to the age group of juveniles.
• Strafrecht: (Criminal Law) - Refers to the area of law dealing with criminal offenses and their legal consequences.

Historical Context: The first unified Jugendgerichtsgesetz (JGG) in Germany came into force in 1923, establishing the Erziehungsgedanke (educational principle) as the guiding principle, a departure from the pure guilt and retribution principle of adult criminal law.

International Perspective: Many countries have their own forms of juvenile justice systems, but they can differ significantly in terms of age limits, goals, and measures applied.