Juvenile justice legislation in New Zealand 1974-1989 : the process of law making

Abstract

A new era in New Zealand juvenile justice began with the passing of the Children, Young Persons and their Families Act 1989. The Act's provisions for dealing with juvenile offending are unique by world standards. This new paradigm of juvenile justice seeks to empower offenders, families, and victims while responding to young offenders in a culturally appropriate way. This thesis will trace the development of juvenile justice in New Zealand from 1974 to 1989 in order to explain how and why the new paradigm came to reach the statute book. The development of the juvenile justice legislation provides valuable insight into the law making process as it operates in New Zealand.