Juvenile Delinquents and Queensland Law.

Essay by AlaaBouhamdanHigh School, 11th gradeA-, June 2009

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The term given to juveniles below the age of seventeen who constantly disobey laws is 'juvenile delinquent' and they cost Australia hundreds of millions of dollars2. For instance, shop-stealing committed by juveniles alone amounts to approximately $300 million annually2. Thus, it's important that Australia, and in particular Queensland law, deals with them effectively. Imposing appropriate consequences which take into consideration the juveniles situation along with the pain and inconvenience experienced by the victims is only a minor requirement. The law must also ensure that there's the existence of programs, facilities and support networks which can assist in preventing future offences as well as rehabilitate current offenders.

The juvenile delinquents of Queensland disobey a wide range of laws stated in the 'Criminal Code Act 1899 (Qld)' due to their various thinking methods, past experiences, social and economic status, etc. Amongst young Australians, substance abuse tends to be the majority of offences3.

Thus, various offences stated in the 'Drugs Misuse Act 1986 (Qld)' take place. Other laws which commonly involve juvenile delinquents include Stealing (s390), Assault (s245) and Common nuisances (s230); all of which are stated in the 'Criminal Code Act 1899 (Qld)'18. Although many crimes committed by juveniles have serious consequences which are stated in the 'Criminal Code Act 1899', such as imprisonment, the 'Juvenile Justice Act 1992 (Qld)' protects them from such penalties. However, there are still relatively serious consequences such as fines, community service, probation, good behaviour and even detention which are stated in section 120 of the 'Juveniles Justice Act 1992 (Qld)'14. The amount of the fine is determined by an Act related to the offence whilst the length of good behavior and probation are a maximum of one and two years respectively for minor offences14. Detention however can...