ANALISIS YURIDIS PENERAPAN ASAS BEST INTERESTS OF THE CHILD DALAM PEMBELAAN PENASIHAT HUKUM BAGI ANAK PELAKU PENYERTA PADA KASUS KEKERASAN TERHADAP ANAK (Perkara Nomor 3/Pid.Sus-Anak/2024/PN.Mlg)

Cases of violence against children involving children as perpetrators also raise challenges in implementing the principle of best interests of the child, which should be the main guideline in juvenile justice. One of the main challenges in child criminal cases is how legal advisors can carry out defenses that take into account the best interests of the child, especially in the child's position as a co-perpetrator in violent crimes. This research aims to analyze how the principle of best interests of the child is applied by legal advisors in defending child perpetrators in cases of violence against children, as well as the obstacles faced in its implementation. This research uses empirical juridical methods, which focus on legal analysis based on facts and empirical data obtained from cases that occurred at the Malang District Court. Through interviews, observations and document studies, this research analyzes the role of legal advisors in protecting the rights of children involved in the crime and the extent to which the principle of best interests of the child is applied in the defense process. This research shows that the application of the principle of best interests of the child in this case still faces various obstacles, especially related to limited understanding and support in the juvenile criminal justice system as well as the challenge of ensuring that the best interests of children are met without ignoring aspects of applicable legal accountability. It is hoped that this can contribute to the development of defense strategies that are more sensitive to children's rights and refine policies related to the.