Juvenile Courts

Juvenile Courts deal with offences committed by children and young persons. These offences are governed by the Children and Young Persons Act.

The definition of "children" is someone less than 14 years old" and a "young person" is defined as someone between 14 to 16 years old.

Persons under 16 who commit offences which can be tried by the Magistrates' or District Courts (such as taking part in a gangfight) will go before a Juvenile Court. However, offences which can only be tried by the High Court (such as murder) will be tried in the High Court and not the Juvenile Court.

Each Juvenile Court is presided over by a Magistrate. The Magistrate is assisted by two advisers from a panel nominated by the President of Singapore.

The Juvenile Courts emphasises on reform or rehabilitation more than punishment. Proceedings of the Juvenile Courts are closed to the public. Only people directly concerned with the case (the young offender and his family) are allowed inside the proceedings. The press is not allowed to photograph or report the name of the young offender or any fact which may lead to the disclosure of that person's identity.

A Juvenile Court may make the following orders:

1. Probation;
2. Custody with a relative or suitable person who must provide a signed guarantee (called a "bond") to carefully supervise and care for the young offender as a guardian;
3. Detention for 6 months or less;
4. Send him/her to an approved reform school;
5. Fine, damages or costs; or
6. Imprisonment.