NCJ Number
166263
Date Published
1996
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article describes the treatment of children and young people who offend and are brought before the courts in Northern Ireland and the government entities responsible for those proceedings.
Abstract
The law in Northern Ireland divides juveniles into two categories: child (at least 10 years but under 14 years) and young person (at least 14 but under 17). People in these age categories are capable in law of committing criminal offenses. Juvenile court is held at a different time and if possible in a different part of the building from adult court to prevent juveniles coming into contact with adult offenders. Special efforts are made to ensure the privacy of criminal proceedings against juveniles and the child's parent or guardian may be required to attend throughout the proceedings. The article describes the juvenile justice responsibilities of: (1) Northern Ireland Office Criminal Justice Services Division; (2) Royal Ulster Constabulary; (3) Director of Public Prosecutions; (4) juvenile court; (5) Health and Social Services Board; (6) probation officers; and (7) psychiatrists and psychologists. The article includes a brief description of the juvenile trial process and information about the length of detention.