Williams, John J.Raymond, LezeldaSchool of GovernmentFaculty of Economics and Management Sciences2013-06-192026-06-102007/03/302007/03/302013-06-192026-06-102004https://hdl.handle.net/10566/23967Masters in Public Administration - MPAThe aim of this study was to critically examined the juvenile justice system with regard to the theory of restorative justice as a better alternative to the punitive system that recognizes the rights of children as human rights is in line with the convention on the rights of the child. This research looked at punishment as a penal option, which the court imposes on a person for committing a crime. By means of a case study with regards to the One Stop Youth Justice Centre in Port Elizabeth, this study argued that the restorative method of dealing with youth offenders is a better alternative in contrast to the punitive system.enRestorative justiceSouth AfricaJuvenile justiceAdministrationChildrenLegal statuslawsThesisUniversity of the Western Cape