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Is age only a number? A comparative study of how state authorities respond to child soldiers

Resource type
Thesis type
(Thesis) M.A.
Date created
2022-08-19
Authors/Contributors
Abstract
There is significant normative literature on the moral and legal culpability of child soldiers. However, there is little empirical research regarding how child soldiers are punished by states. This thesis compares how 17 governments implemented consequences for child soldiers. It examines legal sanctions and also other policies, directives, and extrajudicial mechanisms including amnesties, alternative justice programs and the revocation of citizenship. Findings indicate child soldiers are typically treated similarly to their adult counterparts, with three exceptions: (a) children more often are released through handover protocols; (b) children less often face trial; and (c) at trial, children more often receive lenient sentences. Findings also suggest child soldiers receive amnesty more often in African countries than elsewhere. Two models are presented to illustrate how child soldiers will most likely be treated by governments, how age influences that treatment, and how the specific timeframe of an armed conflict affects both issues.
Document
Extent
137 pages.
Identifier
etd22079
Copyright statement
Copyright is held by the author(s).
Permissions
This thesis may be printed or downloaded for non-commercial research and scholarly purposes.
Supervisor or Senior Supervisor
Thesis advisor: Corrado, Raymond
Language
English
Member of collection
Download file Size
etd22079.pdf 1.02 MB

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