NCJ Number
164981
Date Published
1996
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This overview of Poland's juvenile justice system provides a brief history and then describes the formal system of juvenile justice, the functioning of juvenile justice in practice, and proposed changes in Polish juvenile justice.
Abstract
In the course of the history of juvenile justice in Poland, two changes are noteworthy. In 1969 Polish penal legislation was changed; this resulted, among other things, in lowering the age of criminal responsibility to 16 in certain special cases specified in the penal code. Second, in 1978 after several years of experimentation, juvenile courts were transformed into family courts. Family courts are contained within the organizational structure of common courts. The family court decides all vital matters relating to a juvenile. Having been notified of an offense, it decides whether the case should be processed, discontinued, or referred for settlement to the juvenile's school or a social organization. The family judge administers all procedures; conducts explanatory proceedings and examination of cases; commissions various actions to the police and court- appointed probation officers; orders a diagnostic examination; applies educational, medical, and corrective measures; and monitors the measures applied. There are specified conditions under which a juvenile can be tried by a common court. Auxiliary agencies and institutions that cooperate with the family court are probation officers, supervisory child welfare centers, centers for diagnosis and consultation with the family, remand homes, police child stations, and emergency child centers. Juvenile justice is implemented uniformly in Poland, and there are no formal significant differences among regions. Suggestions for changes in the Polish juvenile justice system are offered. 7 notes, 15 references, and appended directory of juvenile justice agencies