O julgamento de adolescentes varejistas do tráfico de drogas no Brasil: uma análise de processos judiciais

Abstract (analytical)The purpose of this article is to analyze the legal sentences for drug trafficking offense in Petrolina, acity in the state of Pernambuco, in the period 2011-2014 based on the analytical review of institutionsand laws that have historically targeted minorities and the Theory of Sentencing. The social contentof legal and extralegal variables was analyzed, analyzing the cumulative effect of determinants forthe sentences. The most frequent judicial decisions were procedural extinction and acquittal. Socioeducational measures of warnings, dropping of all charges and suspended sentences are morecommon than imprisonment. However, there are disparities in sentences for similar cases and thehanding down of analogous sentences in disparate cases. It is concluded that the penal system is aproducer and reproducer of social inequalities and punishment is perceived and used as a techniquefor the control and transformation of poor adolescents who are caught with small amounts of drugs. Keywords: Narcotic Drugs, Teenagers, Justice and Brazil.