The Juvenile Court
The Juvenile Court has jurisdiction to hear charges against children (aged under 14) and young persons (aged between 14 and 16) for any offence other than homicide. Children under 10 are exempted from criminal responsibility. The Juvenile Court also has power to deal with care and protection cases involving young people aged up to 18. A juvenile magistrate will explain the alleged offence to the child or young person in simple language and assist him/her if need arises. Before passing sentence, the magistrate may consider pre-sentencing reports. Press coverage of the proceedings in a juvenile court is restricted to avoid disclosure of the identity of a defendant. The Juvenile Courts are situated at the Eastern, Kowloon City, Tsuen Wan, Fanling and Tuen Mun Magistrates’ Courts.
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