NCJ Number
227431
Journal
Howard Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 48 Issue: 2 Dated: May 2009 Pages: 200-204
Date Published
May 2009
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This study examined the Scottish Youth Justice system.
Abstract
Findings show that the Scottish system outcomes appear positive, with only 100 or so young people under the age of 16 being prosecuted in any given year; this demonstrates an impressive level of decriminalization. The evidence suggests that even though the potential of the Scottish system is great, it can remain unfulfilled because of the barriers and perverse incentives which reflect a lack of commitment towards the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC 1989) principles. Most of the concerns have been recognized by the current nationalist government and highlighted in consultation or commissioned documents. A Youth Justice National Liaison Group has been tasked with strengthening the relationship and information sharing between agencies when young people are jointly reported or when 16- and 17-year-olds are reported solely to the procurator fiscal. The Scottish Prisons Commission's (2008) report, 'Scotland's Choice,' has recommended the development of a noncriminal Youth Hearings to deal with most young people up to age 18 as a way of helping Scottish practice come into line with international obligations; consideration is being given to raising the age of criminal responsibility, although this may be adjusted by raising the age of immunity from prosecution but not the age of criminal responsibility. References