CMY2604
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2025
Unique #:
Due Date: March 2025
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+27 81 278 3372
, QUESTION 1: THE OBJECTIVES OF THE CHILD JUSTICE ACT IN RELATION
TO BONGANI’S CASE
1. Introduction
The Child Justice Act 75 of 2008 was enacted to create a separate and
rehabilitative justice system for children in conflict with the law. Recognizing that
children are vulnerable and often commit crimes due to socio-economic
circumstances, the Act seeks to balance accountability with the need for
protection and reintegration into society. Unlike traditional criminal justice
approaches that focus on punishment, this Act emphasizes restorative justice,
rehabilitation, and diversionary measures that prevent reoffending (Gallinetti,
2009).
In the case of Bongani, a 12-year-old boy who stole food out of necessity, the
principles of the Child Justice Act are directly applicable. The Act acknowledges
the impact of poverty and personal circumstances on criminal behavior and
provides a framework that considers the child’s well-being, ensuring that
incarceration is a last resort. This assignment explores how the objectives of the
Child Justice Act can be applied to Bongani’s case and how diversion can serve
as a suitable intervention.
2. Application of the Objectives of the Child Justice Act in Bongani’s Case
2.1 Establishing a Separate Justice System for Children
One of the key objectives of the Act is to establish a criminal justice system that is
specifically designed for children, ensuring that they are treated differently from
adults (Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, 2008). In
Bongani’s case, this means that he should not be subjected to harsh punitive
measures that are typically applied to adult offenders. Instead, he should be
assessed within the child justice system, where the focus is on rehabilitation
rather than punishment.
2.2 Emphasizing Rehabilitation and Reintegration
Varsity Cube 2024 +27 81 278 3372
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2025
Unique #:
Due Date: March 2025
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+27 81 278 3372
, QUESTION 1: THE OBJECTIVES OF THE CHILD JUSTICE ACT IN RELATION
TO BONGANI’S CASE
1. Introduction
The Child Justice Act 75 of 2008 was enacted to create a separate and
rehabilitative justice system for children in conflict with the law. Recognizing that
children are vulnerable and often commit crimes due to socio-economic
circumstances, the Act seeks to balance accountability with the need for
protection and reintegration into society. Unlike traditional criminal justice
approaches that focus on punishment, this Act emphasizes restorative justice,
rehabilitation, and diversionary measures that prevent reoffending (Gallinetti,
2009).
In the case of Bongani, a 12-year-old boy who stole food out of necessity, the
principles of the Child Justice Act are directly applicable. The Act acknowledges
the impact of poverty and personal circumstances on criminal behavior and
provides a framework that considers the child’s well-being, ensuring that
incarceration is a last resort. This assignment explores how the objectives of the
Child Justice Act can be applied to Bongani’s case and how diversion can serve
as a suitable intervention.
2. Application of the Objectives of the Child Justice Act in Bongani’s Case
2.1 Establishing a Separate Justice System for Children
One of the key objectives of the Act is to establish a criminal justice system that is
specifically designed for children, ensuring that they are treated differently from
adults (Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, 2008). In
Bongani’s case, this means that he should not be subjected to harsh punitive
measures that are typically applied to adult offenders. Instead, he should be
assessed within the child justice system, where the focus is on rehabilitation
rather than punishment.
2.2 Emphasizing Rehabilitation and Reintegration
Varsity Cube 2024 +27 81 278 3372
