MONTANA - REPORT ON CONSULTATION TO THE GOVERNOR'S JUVENILE JUSTICE COMMITTEE - CRIMINAL COURTS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROJECT

• NCJ Number: 39632
• Author(s): H D LAWSON; D R SCHMIDT
• Date Published: Unknown
• Length: 18 pages
• Contract Number(s): J-LEAA-043-72
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Justice
• Corporate Author: American University
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

REPORT GIVES ADVICE FOR TOTAL REVAMPING OF MONTANA JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM TO PROVIDE STANDARD LEGAL GUARANTEES FOR JUVENILES.

Abstract

THIS STUDY FOUND NUMEROUS WEAKNESSES IN THE MONTANA JUVENILE CODE. THERE IS NO WRITTEN DIRECTION TO MONTANA JUDGES TO FOLLOW GAULT, FOR EXAMPLE. THERE IS ALSO NO PROVISION FOR BIFURCATED HEARINGS, DEFERRED PROSECUTION, DETENTION HEARINGS, OR EXPLANATION OF RIGHTS. THE STUDY RECOMMENDED A COMPLETE REDRAFTING OF THE JUVENILE CODE, RATHER THAN A PATCHWORK APPROACH TO THE INDIVIDUAL PROBLEMS. IT SAID THAT THIS CONCEPT SHOULD BE ENDORSED BY THE GOVERNOR, AND THAT THERE SHOULD BE LEGISLATION ALLOWING FOR IT....BS