Strengthening Criminal Law and Policies to Prevent Violent Juvenile Crime in Vietnam

Juvenile crime in Vietnam has been on the rise in recent years, prompting legal and policy reform to protect society while also emphasizing rehabilitation and education for young offenders. This article examines Vietnam’s current legal framework for juvenile justice – primarily the Penal Code (2015, amended 2017), Criminal Procedure Code (2015), related child protection laws, and the new Law on Justice for Minors (2024) – with a focus on violent crimes committed by persons under 18. We review statistical trends and case studies of youth violence, identify enforcement challenges and legal gaps, and assess the effectiveness of existing statutes and measures. The analysis highlights issues such as inconsistent definitions of “child” (under 16 vs. 18), insufficient specialized courts, heavy reliance on detention, and the need for diversionary alternatives despite progressive legal provisions. We discuss the roles of law enforcement, the judiciary, schools, and social services in prevention and intervention. Drawing on Vietnamese legal traditions emphasizing education and social welfare, we offer detailed recommendations: expanding child-friendly courts and training; enhancing diversion programs and community-based sanctions; improving data collection; strengthening school and family-based prevention (e.g. life-skills programs, parental guidance); and harmonizing legal standards (e.g. raising the child age to 18). These reforms aim to better balance public safety and juvenile rights, consistent with Vietnam’s socialist legal philosophy that criminal penalties should be a last resort and tailored to a young person’s capacity.