1. Research Foundation

The research foundation is introduced, including data sources and research methods. The researchers retrieved literature related to "juveniles" and "criminal record sealing" from the CNKI database, screening 441 valid articles as samples. CiteSpace, a knowledge mapping tool, was used to conduct visual analysis of the literature, extracting keywords, authors, institutions, and other information to reveal connections and significance among the literature. The study aims to comprehensively understand the research status and development trends in the field of juvenile criminal record sealing, providing references for researchers and policymakers in related fields, as well as a scientific basis for national policy formulation and social practice.

2. Research Background

The social concern regarding juvenile delinquency is emphasized, noting that juveniles, as a vulnerable group in society, are granted special legal protections to ensure fairness and justice. Statistical data show that the criminal record sealing system has a wide scope of application, and sealing juvenile criminal records effectively safeguards privacy rights, preventing discrimination and negative consequences caused by information leaks. China places great importance on the implementation of the juvenile criminal record sealing system, with relevant laws and regulations clearly specifying its requirements. In May 2022, the Supreme People's Court, Supreme People's Procuratorate, Ministry of Public Security, and Ministry of Justice jointly issued the "Implementation Measures for the Sealing of Juvenile Criminal Records," detailing the content, entities, procedures, and other aspects, providing clear norms and guidance to ensure the healthy physical and mental development of juveniles.

3. Research Status

The current research status of China's juvenile criminal record sealing system is analyzed. After the 2012 amendment to the Criminal Procedure Law of the People's Republic of China, related research peaked, but the number of publications remained low from 2016 to 2021. Research increased again after the 2022 release of the "Implementation Measures." Key researchers include Ma Yanjun, Huang Bin, and Yang Wenqing, with Wang Jiancheng's article having the highest citation count. Scholars primarily employ comparative analysis to explore differences between domestic and foreign systems and propose improvements. Research focuses on three areas: theoretical studies, practical applications, and the extent of protection, examining the system's legitimacy, operability, judicial application, prosecutorial supervision, practical issues, and its impact on juveniles' privacy rights, reintegration into society, right to be forgotten, and judicial protection.

4. Research Review and Prospects

Scholars' evaluations and improvement proposals for China's juvenile criminal record sealing system are comprehensively analyzed, highlighting research priorities such as the system's alignment with international conventions, theoretical foundations, value significance, and practical operational issues. Scholars have suggested expanding the scope of application, establishing coordination mechanisms, and clarifying operational procedures, but disagreements remain on the direction of systemic innovation. Political and law universities, comprehensive universities, and People's Procuratorates are the backbone of research, though perspectives may be limited to legal and judicial fields. Future research should enhance interdisciplinary collaboration, deepen theoretical studies, practical applications, and protections for juveniles. Additionally, further analysis and discussion of the system are needed to seek consensus and explore comprehensive research pathways, promoting its continuous development. Future research priorities include deepening theoretical studies, strengthening practical application research, and interdisciplinary integration to comprehensively evaluate, improve, and refine the system, making greater contributions to juvenile protection and social education.