NCJ Number
45121
Date Published
1977
Length
30 pages
Annotation
HANDLING OF JUVENILE OFFENDERS UNDER BRITISH AND WELSH LAW IS DISCUSSED; JUVENILE COURTS AND TREATMENT METHODS PROVIDED BY LAW ARE EXAMINED.
Abstract
THE TERM 'JUVENILE' IN BRITAIN REFERS TO THOSE BETWEEN 14 AND 17 YEARS OF AGE. IT IS CONCLUSIVELY PRESUMED THAT NO CHILD UNDER 10 CAN BE GUILTY OF ANY CRIME, ALTHOUGH CARE PROCEEDINGS MAY BE ENACTED IN CERTAIN CASES. THE QUESTION OF WHETHER TO TAKE JUVENILES TO COURT IS DISCUSSED IN TERMS OF THE AIMS OF THE CHILDREN AND YOUNG PERSONS ACT OF 1969, THE DECISION TO PROSECUTE, AND PROCEDURE BEFORE TRIAL. THE JURISDICTION, CONSTITUTION, AND PROCEDURE OF THE JUVENILE COURT ARE EXAMINED. ONCE GUILT HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED, THE COURT MUST CONSIDER ALL THE BACKGROUND INFORMATION RELATING TO THE CHILD'S HOME ENVIRONMENT. FOR THIS PURPOSE, A HOME SURROUNDINGS REPORT IS SUBMITTED TO THE COURT BY A LOCAL AUTHORITY OR PROBATION OFFICER. THE ORDERS AVAILABLE TO THE COURT IN THE CASE OF A JUVENILE FOUND GUILTY INCLUDE DISCHARGE, BINDING OVER THE CHILD OR DEFERRING SENTENCE, FINES OR OTHER PAYMENTS, PARENTAL RECOGNIZANCES, SUPERVISION ORDERS, ATTENDANCE CENTER ORDERS, DETENTION CENTER ORDERS, CARE ORDERS, HOSPITAL AND GUARDIANSHIP ORDERS UNDER THE MENTAL HEALTH ACT OF 1959, BORSTAL TRAINING, AND DETENTION. ADMINISTRATION OF EACH AND APPROPRIATE LEGAL REFERENCES ARE DISCUSSED. (DAS)