Teen judges set for kiddie courts
By Norrie Ross |
October 14, 2008
- Youth peer justice panels to be introduced
- Panels sit as courts for low-level offences
- Idea based on similar programs in the US and UK
TEENS will be judges, prosecutors and jurors in cases of other kids accused of minor crimes under a radical Victorian Government plan.
Attorney-General Rob Hulls announced today that he is planning to introduce youth peer justice panels where young people dispense justice to other young people who fall foul of the law,
the Herald Sun reported.
Mr Hulls said the panels would only sit as courts for low-level offences and the idea is based on similar programs that have been successful in the US and the UK.
"These panels may use youths as advocates, prosecutors, jurors or judges," Mr Hulls said.
"Overseas experience has shown judgment by peers to be an effective tool in holding youth to account for their actions and reduce the cycle of offending the re-offending."
The kiddie courts will have the chance to question offenders in public about offences like shoplifting and graffiti and then discuss the cases behind closed doors.
