Basic Legal Knowledge
Procedures during criminal hearings
Juvenile Court
Arresting procedure, my rights and obligations
Free or subsidized legal assistance
Protection for victims
Punishment and sentencing options
Criminal records and the Rehabilitation of Offenders Ordinance
Jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court
Offenders below the age of 16 are dealt with under the Juvenile Offenders Ordinance (Chapter 226) which restricts punishment on children and young persons.
According to section 3A of the Juvenile Offenders Ordinance, the juvenile court consists of a permanent magistrate, and has the jurisdiction to hear and determine any charge against a “child” or “young person” of any offence other than homicide.
“Child” is defined as a person under 14 years of age.
“Young person” is defined as a person aged 14 years and under the age of 16 years.
It should also be noted that no child under the age of 10 can be guilty of a criminal offence. However they may be subject to care and protection proceedings as pursuant to Protection of Women and Juveniles Ordinance (Chapter 213).