NCJ Number
85515
Journal
Journal of Adolescence Volume: 5 Issue: 2 Dated: (June 1982) Pages: 99-110
Date Published
1982
Length
12 pages
Annotation
Results of a survey in southeast England show that despite firm Home Office guidance, irregularities exist in the process by which juveniles are remanded in penal custody.
Abstract
The survey sought to examine the factors involved in issuing Certificates of Unruly Character. The Certificates are orders by which a juvenile involved in an adjourned court case or committed for trial may be held in custody. A large juvenile remand center in southeast England was surveyed. The sample was composed of 100 male juveniles received consecutively at Latchmere House between Nov. 21, 1977, and Jan. 23, 1978, remanded on Certificates of Unruliness by juvenile and magistrates' courts within Latchmere's catchment area. A total of 51 courts contributed to the sample. Results showed that the sample surveyed consisted of serious and persistent offenders, many with a history of frequent absconding from local authorities. The reason most often given for issuing the Certifiicate was that the accused would be likely to cause disruption in a community home or would be likely to abscond from it. Irregularities in the process are most likely due to pressures on the court and the shortage of alternative facilities. Study data and five references are supplied. (Author abstract modified)