In theory, the law should treat everyone equally. However, in practice, this is not the case for many reasons. Young offenders belong to one group who are, in fact, treated differently by the criminal justice system in Australia (An around other countries too, I assume).

In what ways are they treated differently? And why ?

There are several good sites here to explore:

http://www.google.com/search?q=juvenile+law+australia&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7&rlz=1I7SUNA

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Young offenders are indeed treated differently by the criminal justice system in Australia and various other countries. There are several ways in which young offenders are treated differently:

1. Age of criminal responsibility: In Australia, the age of criminal responsibility is generally set at 10 years old, which means children below this age are considered incapable of committing a crime. However, once they reach the age of criminal responsibility, young offenders are subject to the justice system, albeit with some variations depending on their age.

2. Diversionary programs: The criminal justice system often provides diversionary programs for young offenders. These programs aim to divert them away from formal court processing and punishment, as they recognize that youth may be more responsive to rehabilitative measures. Diversion programs may include counseling, community service, education, or restitution, with the intention of preventing reoffending.

3. Youth justice courts: Instead of being tried in adult courts, most jurisdictions have separate youth justice courts or family courts that handle cases involving young offenders. These courts generally follow a different set of procedures to account for the unique needs and circumstances of young people.

4. Sentencing considerations: When sentencing young offenders, the focus is often on their rehabilitation and reintegration into society rather than solely on punishment. Courts may take into account factors such as the offender's age, maturity, education, family circumstances, and prospects for future development. Rehabilitation-oriented sentences, such as community-based orders or probation, are commonly employed for younger offenders instead of custodial sentences.

So why are young offenders treated differently? These differential treatments are primarily based on the understanding that young offenders possess distinct characteristics and have greater potential for rehabilitation compared to adult offenders. The approach seeks to address the underlying causes of their offending behavior, reduce recidivism rates, and provide support for their development into law-abiding citizens. The aim is to strike a balance between accountability and the chance for them to learn from their mistakes and reintegrate into society as responsible individuals.