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Description
The object of this programme is to show how discretion is exercised in the administration of that law. This is done by tracing the way a hypothetical case of theft might be dealt with under the Chi...ldren and Young Persons Act of 1969. It looks at the range of decision-makers that are involved in dealing with children in trouble and examines the discretion open to them. The programme was made in Bedford and includes interviews with a Headmaster Mr G B Kemp Small, a Juvenile Liaison Officer Sergeant King, a Deputy Director of Social Services Miss D Cowcher and a Juvenile Magistrate Mrs Martell. The programme is introduced by Dr James Barber of the Open University. The programme is particularly interesting for a foreign audience because it highlights a British approach to the treatment of juvenile offenders.
The object of this programme is to show how discretion is exercised in the administration of that law. This is done by tracing the way a hypothetical case of theft might be dealt with under the Chi...ldren and Young Persons Act of 1969. It looks at the range of decision-makers that are involved in dealing with children in trouble and examines the discretion open to them. The programme was made in Bedford and includes interviews with a Headmaster Mr G B Kemp Small, a Juvenile Liaison Officer Sergeant King, a Deputy Director of Social Services Miss D Cowcher and a Juvenile Magistrate Mrs Martell. The programme is introduced by Dr James Barber of the Open University. The programme is particularly interesting for a foreign audience because it highlights a British approach to the treatment of juvenile offenders.
| Module code and title: | D203, Decision making in Britain |
|---|---|
| Item code: | D203; 03 |
| First transmission date: | 13-02-1972 |
| Published: | 1972 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:23:47 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | Francis Sealey |
| Contributors: | James Barber; D Cowcher; G B Kemp Small |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Administration of the law; British approach; Children and Young Persons Act 1969; Discretion; Juvenile offenders |
| Footage description: | Stills sequence of a fictional petty theft at school. James Barber over film explains the purpose of the film and the programme. With the help of an animation Barber describes the range of actions and decisions that can be made on the discovery of the theft. Mr Kemp Small outlines the range of decisions open to him depending on the seriousness of the crime as it seems to him. Sergeant King describes the range of decisions open to him and his decision criteria. Sergeant King's subsequent actions are acted out in a stills sequence. Sergeant King describes his action and decision range and the criteria for action and decision. Miss D. Crowcher reviews the activities of the local Children's Office, while Sergeant King describes the relationship between the police and the children's department. Sergeant King and Miss Cowcher outline the relationship between the police and the children's department in further detail pointing out that final decisions to prosecute rest with the chief superintendent. James Barber describes the range of discretion open to the authorities up to the court stage of the proceedings. Mrs Martell, chairman of the Juvenile Bench at Bedford outlines the range of decision and discretion open to her. James Barber has earlier outlined one of the basic differences between the juvenile court and the adult court. Stills sequence of boys in court. Mr Kemp Small describes the composition of the school report which has to be placed before the Juvenile Bench. Mrs Martell outlines the courses of action open to the juvenile bench once the child is found guilty. Miss Cowcher describes the council's actions and range of discretion open to it should the child be handed back to them under a care order. James Barber summarises so far. Using the fictional case, Mrs. Martell outlines what decisions would probably have been made. James Barber sums up the programme, voice over film of the fictional case, the principal decision makers are quoted, statements having appeared in previous interviews. Credits. |
| Master spool number: | 6HT/70279 |
| Production number: | 00521_2206 |
| Videofinder number: | 3396 |
| Available to public: | no |
