Significant Legislative Reforms in Morocco's Juvenile Justice System
On April 30, 2026, the Marrakech Court of Appeals hosted a pivotal training session aimed at public prosecutors and judicial police officers, focusing on the theme: "Juvenile Justice in Light of the New Developments in Law No. 03.23 Amending the Criminal Procedure Code." This training underscores Morocco's commitment to legislative reforms that enhance the protection of children's rights while integrating modern justice principles.
Advocating for the Best Interests of the Child
The session commenced with an opening address by Khalid Kerdoudi, the Attorney General at the Marrakech Court of Appeals. He emphasized that the reform of the justice system, particularly concerning juveniles, is part of a comprehensive vision aimed at bolstering human rights and establishing the foundations of modern justice. Kerdoudi highlighted that Law No. 03.23 adopts an advanced approach centered on the protection of children in conflict with the law, introducing comprehensive legal guarantees that respect their psychological and social specificities. The law prioritizes the best interests of the child while focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment.
Moreover, Kerdoudi stressed the importance of ongoing training for all stakeholders to ensure the proper implementation of these legal provisions and to enhance coordination between the judiciary, judicial police, and other involved parties. The training featured two significant scientific presentations that enriched discussions and clarified the legal updates related to juvenile justice.
Rachid Naqri, Deputy Attorney General at the Marrakech Court of Appeals, delivered a foundational presentation that focused on the practical aspects of implementing Law No. 03.23. He underscored the necessity for coordination among various actors in the juvenile justice system and the importance of applying legal texts with a protective spirit, ensuring respect for the juvenile's privacy and dignity. Naqri reiterated that the success of these reforms depends on the complementary roles of the judiciary, judicial police, and related institutions.
In a detailed and insightful presentation, Mohamed Faris, Deputy Public Prosecutor at the Ben Guerir Court, offered an analytical review of the new provisions in Law No. 03.23, emphasizing the transformations affecting juvenile justice at various stages. He pointed out that the legislator has strengthened the rights of juveniles from the preliminary investigation phase and introduced specialized judicial police officers to solidify the principle of specialization. Faris also highlighted the dual role of the investigating judge, who functions not only as a judge of inquiry but also as a management judge who considers the child's best interests. Noteworthy innovations discussed included the possibility of holding juvenile sessions without formal attire, reflecting a humane approach that takes into account the child's psychological state.
Faris asserted that legal protection does not end with the issuance of a ruling but extends beyond it, emphasizing the importance of connecting juveniles with educational, training, and employment institutions to mitigate recidivism. The session concluded with an interactive discussion that engaged judges and judicial police officers, addressing practical questions and exchanging views on enhancing professional practices in this field, particularly concerning infrastructural challenges and the lack of specialized human resources.
This training session reaffirms Morocco's steady progress toward establishing a modern juvenile justice system based on protection and rehabilitation rather than punishment. Nevertheless, the real challenge lies in the practical implementation of these provisions, ensuring the ultimate goal of reintegrating juveniles and building a secure future for them within society.
As reported by satv.ma.
