05-01-202605-01-2026<p>This study focusses on the delimitation between acts of torture and illegitimate punishment against children or adolescent victims. The problem is relevant not only because of the complex distinction of those crimes, but also because of the specific conditions of the victim under eighteen years of age. We discuss whether the serious suffering that she experiences is defined in the same terms as in the case of adults. In case of a negative answer, it investigates the factors that make it possible to establish such suffering, and then separate torture from illegitimate punishment. From a criterion of "uniformity in treatment", we propose criteria of distinction with objective-normative and subjective arguments.</p>info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccesschildren and adolescents.illegitimate punishmentssevere sufferingtortureSDG 16 - Peace, Justice and Strong InstitutionsArticle