Juvenile Offenders.

Southland Times, Issue 19727, 30 January 1906, Page 3

Juvenile Offenders.

KEW METHOD OF ADMINISTERING JUSTICE. The L'nder-Seeretary of tlie Depart ment for Justiru (Mr E Wahiegrave) has istfuud u circular on behalf of the Minister of Justin, dealing with the proposed alteration in the procedure in relation to juvenile offenders. In einnertiun with this subject it was the intention of the Minister to introdiue a HU during !a-t Session, but u'vini; to pressure of business the measure w,.s not brought forward. The object of the suggested alterations is to save child oileadefs from tile degrading influences and notoriety which are inseparable from the administration of justice in criminal cases, more especially in the large centres of population, it is important (the .Minister states) that in establishing any new system in dealing with juvenile oiTen lers the proceedings should not be in any way in contravention of the law - , and that there -bouM be no suspicion of secrecy or the avoidance of a proper publicity. Subject to any variations that local Considerations may leiuire. the Minister suggests that the following procedure will probably meet the necessity : (1) Secure the assistance and cooperation of the police (special instructions on this point will l.e issued to the police). (D) When a juveai c offender, i.e., a boy or girl umb*r Mm at?*.* of, say Id years, is to be brought before the court thi* policy to make a special report nthei' Verbal or written to the magistrate, Who will then h\' p: special hour for the sitting of the court to deal with the case- Thu time fixed will be a time uhen there is not likely to he* any special pul)lie business before (.he court. (;jj If the offender is under arrest, be Will either be brought up at once and admitted to bull, or givri into ehaigenf one of tin* representatives of some benevolent orgunisut ion who w ill undertake to produce him when retired, nr the police will arrange* for him to be taken caie ot without re’er**nce t*» the mag strale-(-4) In no case will the child leiu.iin in the gaol or lock-up. (5 > At the a,opidnted time the offender Will lie brought up and d-alt wjih. (0) Thu Press should always lie notifled of the Erne wh-n such a silling will beheld. The parents, if they so desire. will also be present, and nolle,. should also be given to the rcpi'es'ntati' es oi the religious mul charitable organisations which interest themselves in the

care of chiUlri-n. In connection wilt', tin system outlined til the Ministerial circular addressed to Magistrates. Urn Minister oi Justice appeals to the Magistrates throughout the colony to co-operate in carrying it into effect. While legislation will he needed to give it dill ; orce he urges that the experience gained meanwhile will I '* of great service In laying ‘lowa Ull ' '" H ' h upon which legislation shall proceed.