In my master's thesis, I explore the topic of juvenile delinquency from a psychological perspective. The main question I address is what psychological factors influence children and minors to commit serious crimes, such as murder. Firstly, I present theoretical foundations using criminological and psychological theories. Additionally, I focus on risk factors including family, peers, peer violence, and community, to demonstrate how individual factors contribute to the development of delinquent behavior in minors. Factors such as family, upbringing, and personal experiences play significant roles in the development of delinquent behavior. The moral compass, impulse control, and mental disorders also impact an individual's ability to integrate into society. The roots of juvenile delinquency can be traced back to a minor's early years, and deviant behavior during upbringing can indicate a potential for future criminal activity. I also discuss the treatment of juvenile offenders in Slovenian criminal law, with a specific focus on the psychological characteristics of minor perpetrators of murder. Many of these minors come from environments with severe violence. I analyze real cases to understand the psychological factors and mental hardships of juvenile offenders. Trauma experienced in early life can contribute to criminal behavior later in life. In conclusion, I discuss the potential for preventing risk factors and various ways to help juvenile delinquents. Deviant behavior in a child may be a way of expressing distress and hidden pain. In extreme cases, such as murder, it indicates that something has gone seriously wrong in the upbringing and psychological well-being of the minor.
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