POLICY OF MERCY.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 September 1924, Page 15

POLICY OF MERCY.

TO JUVENILE OFFENDERS. LEGISLATION BEING DRAFTED. CHILDREN’S COURTS. Legislation is being drafted, for introduction to Parliament this session, if possible, providing flor courts, and the general protection of the interests of .juveniles who commit offences. The main points of the proposed legislation were explained to a deputation representing the Women’* Branc-h of the New Zealand Labour Party, which waited on the Miniater for Justice (Hon. C. J. Parr). Replying to the deputation, the Minister said that the question as to whether* there should be, independent of the present courts, a special tribunal to deal with the offences of children was a very important one, whidi had been receiving consideration by his . department. He had long considered such a reform should be brought about. The ordinary judicial tribunal of New Zealand wae not at all suited to deal with children’s offences. He had had prepared the draft of a Bill, which he hoped to be able to introduce thia session. It would provide for the setting up of children’s courts, presided over by magistrates specially appointed for the purpose. These courts would deal with all cases affecting children, who would appear before that court alone, and no other. If practicable, the wurt was to be held at a juvenile home or receiving home, rather than at the present judicial buildings. He proposed that the cases should be heard as independently as possible of the present courts and of t'heir functions. A clause in the Bill would make it unlawful to publish the proceedings. It was a lamentable thing that the names of young offenders should be allowed to appear in the newspapers, particularly in the case of first offenders. Some young people were quite irresponsible for their actions during the storm period of their lives—say between the ages of 14 and 16 years—and a policy of mercy should be adopted towards those who committed offences during that critical period. He was convinced by experience that we had too long regarded that period in the Fife of young persons in the wrong way. “The policy of the Justice Department nowadays,” said Mr. Parr, “is a policy of mercy rather than probation.” The Minister said that his proposal would be to appoint child welfare officers in connection with the juvenile courts. Mr. H. E. Holland: “Women?”

Mr. Parr; “Oh yes, some of them will be women.” These officers, he said, would gather information concerning the children appearing before the magistrates, and would investigate the circumstances of complaints that were lodged. They would be expected to visit, advise, and befriend the juvenile offenders, and to fuMil the functions of benevolent parents or guardians. Tn regard to the suggestion that it should be made illegal for young people to be questioned by detectives, Mr. Parr said he would have to consider that matter. While it might not be considered advisable for the police to question yrung children, lie could not agree that men or women of 19 or 20 years of age should not -be subject to interrogation. Mrs. Snow: “I think the parents or a legal adviser should be present.” Mr. Parr said he was unable to agree with that view.