NCJ Number
9121
Journal
UMKC Law Review Volume: 40 Issue: 2 Dated: (WINTER 1971-72) Pages: 129-169
Date Published
1972
Length
41 pages
Annotation
SUPREME COURT DECISIONS EXTENDING PROCEDURAL RIGHTS TO JUVENILES INITIATED THIS STUDY ON LEGISLATION PROPOSED TO CHANGE THE JUVENILE COURT SYSTEM IN VARIOUS STATES.
Abstract
SIGNIFICANT LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS FROM THIRTY-NINE STATES FOR THE YEARS OF 1968 THROUGH 1971 WERE COLLATED IN THIS STUDY. A GREAT NUMBER OF THE PROPOSED BILLS DEALT WITH THE RIGHTS OF JUVENILES INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO COUNSEL, THE PRIVILEGE AGAINST SELF-INCRIMINATION, THE RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY, AND THE RIGHT TO PRE-TRIAL RELEASE. THE TENDENCY IS TO ADOPT IN JUVENILE COURTS THE PROCEDURAL SAFEGUARDS AFFORDED ADULTS IN THE CRIMINAL COURTS. ANOTHER TREND DISCERNIBLE IN THE PROPOSALS IS AN EFFORT TO CONSTRICT JUVENILE COURT JURISDICTION OVER PERSONS BY REDUCING AGE LIMITS AND OVER SUBJECT MATTER BY EXCEPTING CERTAIN SERIOUS OFFENSES. THE STUDY ALSO CONCLUDED THAT THE LEGISLATION EXHIBITED A DESIRE TO EXPAND THE CHOICES AVAILABLE TO THE COURT REGARDING THE REHABILITATION OF DELINQUENT CHILDREN. THE LEGISLATORS ARE AWARE OF THE NEED TO PUT IMPROVED SERVICES AND CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES AT THE JUVENILE COURT'S DISPOSAL.