JUVENILE CRIME.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 118, 19 April 1932, Page 6

JUVENILE CRIME.

In his review of the criminal statistics of Great Britain during a debate in the House of Commons, the Home Secretary (Sir Herbert Samuel) mentioned an increase in juvenile crime. While the growth of criminal tendencies is always to be deplored, nothing is more regrettable than that an increasing number _ of adolescents should offend against the law. It is reassuring, however, to learn from Sir Herbert Samuel that the increase does not indicate a grave and sudden change, and the figures are still considerably less than in pre-war days. The House of Commons had before it two months ago a measure for dealing with young offenders which has excited interest in other countries. It is the outcome of experience carefully recorded by many earnest child welfare workers. In 1908 legislation was enacted under which special courts were set up to deal with juvenile offenders. They were then largely experimental, but have, it is stated, proved their worth. Under the latest measure the scope of these courts is being extended to separate them more nearly completely than they hitherto have been from places in which grown-up persons are brought to trial. The juvenile courts, it is proposed, will deal with offenders up to the age of 17 years. Hitherto their jurisdiction lias ceased in cases of neglect when the child was 14, and m other matters at the age of 16. The object of the measure is to give children and other young persons who deviate from the path of rectitude better opportunities to become good citizens. To achieve this end the present law is being overhauled, and the proposals have met with favourable criticism, one commentator remarking that the measure is a valuable contribution to the world effort to help the less happily situated sections of the rising generation.