Source: Singapore: The Subordinate Courts of Singapore, eJustice
Judge David Chew observes that, unlike the adult criminal justice system, where deterrence and retribution play major roles when sentencing an offender, the juvenile justice system is underpinned by notions of the welfare of the offender. Reformation and rehabilitation of the offender are paramount concerns of the juvenile court. At the same time, Chew writes, the juvenile court acts as a court of law and not a provider of social services. The court must take into account more classical justice issues, such as public protection and personal accountability. Thus Chew argues that the aims of holding an offender to personal responsibility and of seeking the welfare of the offender are not necessarily antagonistic concepts. Hence, in this paper he puts forth his view of a restorative model of juvenile justice.
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