NCJ Number
162008
Date Published
1996
Length
67 pages
Annotation
This Information Memorandum describes substantive provisions of Wisconsin's 1995-97 Biennial Budget Act (1995 Wisconsin Act 27) that relates to juvenile justice and the Juvenile Justice Act (1995 Wisconsin Act 77).
Abstract
Provisions of 1995 Wisconsin Act 27 that relate to juvenile justice focus on the age of adult court jurisdiction, the administration of juvenile justice programs, the creation of the Serious Juvenile Offender Program, and extended juvenile court jurisdiction. Under this law the age of adult court jurisdiction is lowered from 18 years to 17 years, and various programs previously administered by the Division of Youth Services will be managed by the Department of Corrections. The Act repeals the Youthful Offender Program and creates the Serious Juvenile Offender Program. Also, under the Act a juvenile court is prohibited from extending its jurisdiction with respect to any violation committed after June 30, 1996. Juveniles adjudged delinquent for offenses that currently require extended juvenile court jurisdiction will be placed in the Serious Juvenile Offender Program. In presenting the provisions of the Act, current law is contrasted with modifications under the new law. Under Wisconsin Act 77, which relates to the creation of the Juvenile Justice Code, one key provision is the creation of a separate Juvenile Justice Code that deals with juvenile delinquency by protecting citizens, holding juveniles accountable, and developing competency in juveniles so that they may live productively and responsibly. Further, it reduces the age at which a juvenile is subject to the delinquency jurisdiction of the juvenile court and may be placed in secure placement, an adult court has original jurisdiction over a juvenile, and a juvenile may be waived to an adult court. Further, it increases victims' access to court proceedings and information; increases the ability of law enforcement agencies, schools, social services agencies, and courts to exchange information; expands dispositional alternatives for delinquent and habitually truant juveniles and juveniles in need of protection or services; and eliminates the right to a trial by jury in proceedings under the Juvenile Justice Code. Statistics relating to juveniles waived into adult court are also provided.