NCJ Number
160153
Journal
Annales Volume: 4 Dated: (1995) Pages: 1669-1681
Date Published
1995
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This article provides information on the qualifications of the Greek juvenile judge and on the professionals who assist in the sentencing process.
Abstract
Juvenile judges are appointed on the advice of the Department of Justice for terms of 2 years. Preference is given to candidates with previous experience with juvenile delinquency and a demonstrated interest in juveniles such as research, participation in youth movements, or youth advocacy. Juvenile judges have a gamut of educational measures at their disposal ranging from simply remanding delinquents to their families to supervised liberty and closed therapeutic institutions. In making the decision, judges increasingly rely on physicians/psychiatrists to evaluate the physical and mental state of the accused. Judges also have highly trained social workers at their disposal who provide information on background and family situation, and help evaluate the delinquents' rehabilitation. In some cases, a judge may choose to consult with a delinquent's teachers; the article argues that--given the special expertise of educators--this option should become a more routine part of the evaluation of juvenile delinquents.