NCJ Number
107979
Date Published
1986
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This pamphlet presents United Nations standards governing the administration of juvenile justice which were adopted by the General Assembly in November 1985, along with commentaries on rationales and implementation issues.
Abstract
Part 1 addresses broad objectives of the Standard Minimum Rules, their scope and definitions used, age of criminal responsibility, goals of juvenile justice, scope of discretion, and protection of privacy. Standards governing investigation and prosecution are addressed in Part 2 with attention to the initial contact between a juvenile and the justice system, diversion, specialized training for police, and detention pending trial. Part 3 focuses on adjudication and disposition. Specific areas covered included locus of the authority to adjudicate, right to legal counsel, parents' rights, social inquiry reports, disposition alternatives, records, and professional training. The standards endorse the least possible use of institutionalization and avoidance of unnecessary delay. Parts 4 and 5 detail standards for noninstitutional and institutional treatment. The final standards consider research, planning, policy formulation, and evaluation.