Objection to ‘retaliation’

Press, 6 December 1977, Page 2

Objection to ‘retaliation’

The Christchurch Catholic ’Commission for Justice and Development opposes a i clause of the Children and Young Persons Amendment I Bill which allows a child aged 10 or over but under 14 to be charged with murder or manslaughter. “The proposed amendment appears to be a political response to meet feelings of outrage expressed by some sections of the community as a result of two tragic incidents that have occured recently,” the commission said yesterday.

“This demand for criminal conviction and harsh punishment is merely a primitive desire for retaliation.” The commission says that the prosposed amendment contradicts the stated objects Of the principal act, which emphasises the 'interest.. and wellbeing ofthe child. * 4 It ' maintains that the proposed amendment will do nothing to reduce crime. “the..'principal act already contains sufficient provisions, and ’ pbwfers to meet

the demands of the public conscience,” the commission says.

“There already exist wide grounds for the placement of young offenders uiider. the guardianship of the DirectorGeneral of Social Welfare. Such an order effectively controls the custody and treatment of the young offender until he -attains the age of 20.

“The amendment distracts from the real issues and needs. The public interest would be better served by providing the Department of Social Welfare with more resources both in terms of facilities and personnel.” The commission says it is significant that the proposed amendment does not attach legal or moral guilt to children who may have committed other serious crimes, including crimes of violence.

“Justice would be better served by a community response to the real needs of the juvenile offender who is usually a victim of the vicious cycle Of deprivation,” the commission says.