Perlindungan Hukum terhadap Anak yang Terlibat dalam Peredaran Narkotika sebagai Kurir

The rampant circulation of illegal drugs involving children as drug couriers is an issue that requires serious attention from the government, law enforcement agencies, and the wider community. It is important to note that children who commit criminal acts must still receive legal protection in order to ensure their best interests. This study aims to examine the forms of criminal liability and legal protection provided to children who act as drug couriers. The method used in this paper is normative juridical. The results of the study show that children who commit narcotics crimes, especially as couriers, can be charged under Law Number 35 of 2009 concerning Narcotics, but special provisions stipulated in Law Number 11 of 2012 concerning the Juvenile Criminal Justice System must still be taken into account. An example of legal protection is the reduction of prison terms, as decided by the Denpasar District Court. This consideration was given because the child defendant was still underage, had an unstable psychological condition, and needed supervision and counseling to prevent recidivism. Leniency in sentencing is also important to protect children's rights.