Procedure in juvenile court

(1) Where a child or young person is brought before a juvenile court for any offence, it shall be the duty of the court as soon as possible to explain to him in simple language the substance of the alleged offence. (2) Where a child is brought before a juvenile court for any offence other than homicide, the case shall be finally disposed of in such court, and it shall not be necessary to ask the parent whether he consents that the child shall be dealt with in the (3) Where a young person is brought before a juvenile court for an indictable offence other than homicide and the court becomes satisfied at any time during the hearing of the case that it is expedient to deal with it summarily, the court shall put to the young person the following or a similar question, telling him that he may consult his parent, guardian or attorney before replying: “Do you wish to be tried by this court or by a jury?” and the court shall explain to the young person and to his parent, guardian or attorney the meaning of being so tried and the place where the trial would be held. (4) After explaining the substance of the alleged offence, the court shall ask the child or the young person (except in 10 cases where the young person does not wish to be tried in the juvenile court) whether he admits the offence. (5) If the child or young person does not admit the offence, the court shall then hear the evidence of the witnesses in support thereof, and at the close of the evidence in chief of each such witness, the magistrate shall ask the child or young person, or, if he sees fit, the child’s parent, guardian or attorney, whether he wishes to put any questions to the witness. (6) If the child or young person instead of asking questions wishes to make a statement he shall be allowed to do so, and it shall be the duty of the court to put to the witnesses such questions as appear to be necessary. (7) The court may put to the child or young person such questions as may be necessary to explain anything in the statement of the child or young person. (8) If it appears to the court that a prima facie case is made out, the evidence of any witnesses for the defence shall be heard, and the child or young person shall be allowed to give evidence or to make any statement. (9) If the child or young person admits the offence or the court is satisfied that it is proved, he shall then be asked if he desires to say anything in extenuation or mitigation of the penalty or otherwise. (10) Before deciding how to deal with him, the court shall obtain such information as to his general conduct, home surroundings, school record and medical history, as may enable it to deal with the case in the best interests of the child or young person, and may put to him any question arising out of such information. (11) For the purpose of obtaining such information or for special medical examination or observation, the court may from time to time remand the child or young person on bail or to a place of detention. (12) If the child or young person admits the offence or the court is satisfied that it is proved, and the court decides that a remand is necessary for purposes of enquiry or observation, the court may cause an entry to be made in the court register that the charge is proved and that the child or young person has been remanded. (13) The court before which a child or young person so remanded is brought may without further proof of the commission of the offence make any order in respect of the child or young person which could have been made by the court which so remanded the child or young person. etc.