NCJ Number
140901
Date Published
1992
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The 1991 Criminal Justice Act in Great Britain has changed sentencing provisions related to children and youth aged 10-14 and at ages 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18.
Abstract
These provisions will be implemented in October 1992. Under the new law, children aged 10-13 are regarded as incapable of criminal intent unless strong evidence exists of a "mischievous discretion." Children must be handled in the juvenile court unless they are charged with homicide, are charged jointly with an adult, or the charge arises out of circumstances connected with an offense with which the adult is charged. Dispositions available for young offenders aged 10 and over include absolute and conditional discharges, fines and compensation orders, supervision orders, and attendance center orders. The maximum is 24 hours' attendance unless the offender is age 16 or over. Defendants age 16 or over are also eligible for community service orders, probation orders, longer attendance center stays, and combination orders. Curfew orders will also be possible at some future date.