Daniel's post of experience and greatfulness :) Sunday, July 15, 2007
Hey! Nice of you guys to visit our blog :)
Well, I have to mention that going to the court makes be fell excited and yet a little nervous. i was excited as this is a rare opportunity for us to learn and experience what others may not. But at the same time, I was feelig a little nervous as I didn't know what to expect from the court. Will it be what I expect it to be - like on television dramas? - or will it be different.
Court Hearing
In court, we must always go through the security checkings in case we bring in any not permitted items that will bring danger to others (eg. knife, sizzors, etc.). I have to admit that the security measures were strictly enforced to ensure other's safety. Inside the court was generally quiet and not much noise was made. As me and my fellow teammates walked through the Juvenile Court, we saw many rooms for different purposes (eg. court session, family confrence, etc.) There are even waiting areas for people to rest and wait. Ms Audrey Lam was also there to guide us and facilitate the whole process to us.
After a period of time waiting, we can finally go into the court room to personally witness the court hearing. During the arrival of the Magistrate Wong, all must stand up and bow to the crest as a sign of respect. When everyone were ready, the juveniles were called in one by one for the hearing. Those that were on probation will be brought in from outside the room, but for those who were back on remand were brought in from the room in the court room itself. We had witnessed how fierce and scary Magistrate Wong can be!
The court handled tons of cases just on that day itself and many of the offenders are tennagers around the age of 14-15 years old. The Magistrate will ask questions in a serious tone just to understand more about the case through the juvenile, instead of just judging from the probation report, to make the most suitable decision to enable the juveniles to mend their ways. The offends made by the different juveniles include Theft, Canal Connection (Underage Sex), Molestation and Gang Fight.
After that, we got the chance to speak to Magistrate Wong herself to understand better about the court, the cases they handle, her decision to the cases, her attitude towards the juveniles, etc. But the most important part of all, we got to discuss a case, which we had studied the probation report, with her. It was also the case that we would be witnessing the sentencing after lunch.
When we came back from lunch for the sentencing, we felt quite excited as we had read the juvenile's probation report before. But this time round, as Magistrate Wong had to leave for a meeting, another took over her. After the sentencing, although we felt sorry for the juvenile to be placed in a Boy's Home, but we sincerely wish that he would mend his ways and do a part for the community.
Project - Website
After the whole court hearing process, we were expected to do up a website to spread the news to everyone out there about the information of what we saw, heard and know. So everyone started doing their parts and tried to contribute a little. And guess what? We only had 2 weeks to complete the whole website that's content-rich, enriching, attractive and original, that can defeat the other competing schools to win a prize for ourselves plus the glory for the school.
PGA Finale
Great, the day was finally here and all of us were in our smart outfits.
>Guys - School Shirt, School Badge, School Tie, School Long Pants, Leather Shoes and School BLAZER!
>Girls - School Blouse, School Badge, Schoole Tie, School Skirt, Court Shoes and School BLAZER!
Although Khishal and Claytons were the one presenting, but ALL of us were feeling equally nervous when we stood up there to present our website. Maybe it's because all the participting schools, principals/ vice-principals, panal of judges and Magistrate Wong were present. Including Mrs Ong! After the presentation, we felt relieved and hope for the very best.
In every competition will be wining and losing. But losing is the first step to winning. Furthermore, competition isn't everything, learning is, and we did learn a lot. But I have to mention that we will win the Most Enthusiastic-cum-screamy award. *Hahas*
Afterwords
It will make us feel relieved if people will to visit our website/blog to learn more about the court, etc. and not to make the offends. We would also want the offenders not to walk down the same route again as there would be many of us to help them. We hope to offer our help to those in need. We'll do our very best to carry out our part as a true Peer Advisor! We won't want to disappoint those that had pinned their hopes on us to do our part as what we are.
We would be linking up our website to the school's portal and will be holding different forms of advertisement to publicise the website/blog. Please leave a comment of what you think of the whole event/what we had posted. Thanks a lot :)
Do you know ...
1. Juvenile refers to people who broke the law(s) of the age of 7-17?
2. You will be caught for having the pocession of cigerattes if you're underage, even if you are just holding it for someone eles?
3. The Supreme Court doesn't entertain any audience?
*if you want to know more, visit our website or keep track of our posts!*
Thanks
1. Mrs Marilyn Soh and Ms Wendy Tan for helping us so much
2. Mrs Ong H.P. for encouraging us
3. Ms Audrey Lam for facilitating us throughout our court visit
4. Everyone that had craeted this chance for us to experience and learn so much
5. Finally, YOU out there for visiting our website/blog.
DANIEL LIM
PEER ADVISOR
Clayton's experince to Juvinile Court.
First i would like to say that the Peer Group Adviser Programme has been an enriching and memorable one as it has given the opportunity to step foot into the Juvinile Court .
My Reflection : After the day i went to Juvinile Court i felt like a changed person as i was one of the privilage few who was given to opportunity to actually get a chance to see what happens in the Juvinile Court and the consequnces this juvinile faces.
What is a Juvinile?
A Juvinile is someone who is under the age of 16 breaking the law. One shocking fact that i found out during the Peer Group Adviser programme is that if you commited a crime at for example at age 15 but you were only caught when you were 16, you will not be sent to the Juvinile Court but the Subordinate Court .
What do i think of there Juviniles?
Personally i think that every single Juvnile are just like us just that they have taken the wrong path which has lend them in court , i personally feel sorry for them except for some , the reason is because even till that point they were in some of them showed no remorse while you could tell from the facial expression that they really regretted their choices but at the end of the day all of them will have to face the consequences of their action. There are some who i do not feel sorry for as they have repeated the same mistake over and over again and there was no change.
Do i think the punishment of the judge sentence harsh?
My answer would be No. I feel that for every action that these juviniles did they should face the consequnces as the action has already been done. The punishment are Probation , Detentions and the worse is Youth Prison or also know as boys/girls home. For lighter offences the juvinile will most likely ger probation which is something like a home quarentine and the more servere punishment is Youth Prison which once you are sentence to , the minimum time is 2 years.
The seriousness of the Court .
will go to youth prison for two weeks to see how it is like in youth prisonThe court is not a placed to be fool around with. When i first stepped into court i noticed a room and found out that the room is actually where all the juviniles are waiting to be sentences unless they are on bail.IF you commited an offence you will be SUMMONED to court and the juvinile and both parents must turn up unless one of the parent has passed away or they are divorced , failing to do so the parent who is not present on the summoned day will be sent to jail.Another example of the seriousness of the court is on the day you attend court and plead guilty and after tge offence has been announced you will be put to remand where you .
And Here's Jazreel (:
now, lets start talking about juvenile court !!!
- the judge,
- the juvenile,
- the solutions,
- bottem line.
Have you guys ever wondered
Why is Judge Wong SO fierce on court ?
- Firstly, Judge Wong is not as fierce as you think (:
you see, if she talks nicely to all these juveniles,
the juveniles might not even know what did they do that makes it an offence.
But all of the selected schools will have a dialog with Judge Wong right,
and im sure she isnt that fierce to you guys right ?
i really envy judge wong alot, for lecturing those juveniles,
and i guess most of them, have already change to the better.
i believe Judge Wong also would like to them to change to the better,
those juveniles that have went up to court for more then once,
she have given him/her a change already.
[we all just wanted to stop them to make those mistakes right ?]
Do you know What offences/crime did the juviniles do ?
Do you know why did they do so ?
Juveniles always dont know what what they are doing,
are real big mistakes.
sometimes,
even when they did one offence,
it can go to 3 different charges.?
the common offences are like ..
- smoking,
- rioting,
- vandalism,
- shoplifting.
do you know that most of the time,
these juveniles dont even realised that they're doing things against the law ?
for all these crimes,
it involves other people around you too
those are like
mixing with bad company..
bad family background..
and many more.
BUT, (:
temasek peer group adviers have helplines just to be MORE thn ready to help !
they can talk to you, help you if your problems,
giving you advise,
or talk !
do you know what are The solutions to these charges ?
Judge wong would normally send for probation report.
there are four different rehabilitation here.
-home probation.
-home and probation order.
-court appointed home.
-boys/girls home.
Bottem line !!
1) dont ever thought of offending the law alright !
2) you can never get away with it cause you'll have a BAD record !
we really want to help those who have problems with their bad family background and more (:
and btw, the pga programm is really fun and ive learn alot about the law (:
if one day anyone of you get a chance to go to this pga programm/enrichment,
treasure it ! (;
3) Have the good pathway to a succesful life, not the footsteps to court (:
My Experience in the Juvenile court Saturday, July 14, 2007
Hey viewers !! Khishal here from tms sec ! My trip to the juvenile court was very enriching and I felt that it was an eye opener for all of the ten lucky ones who got this chance ! It was my first time actually going to any kind of court before to view the proceedings. The juvenile court is nothing like what one would expect to be like the high courts that we see on television . What makes the juvenile court so SPECIAL ??? Haha..Well , let me tell you. The juvenile court aims to rehabilitate and help out the juveniles so that they do not commit any more crimes and not to give them severe sentences like the High court . The juvenile court facilitates positive transformation of individuals and help families and individuals manage their emotions and resolve conflicts before, during and after the court process.
When the court was in session , the ten of us saw many cases on juvenile delinquency , but someone had made a really big impact on me in that court that I would never forgot . That was Magistrate Wong . I remember the whole process of how the juveniles were charged in the court , they will be escorted into the court room from the waiting room by a policemen and then their parents will be enter the court . Magistrate Wong will then start the trial . Magistrate Wong was very fierce and strict with the juveniles. she questioned the juveniles on their crimes in a very harsh and hostile tone which sent chill down my spines . It was like how a police officer would interrogate a criminal.. or maybe worse. Magistrate Wong warned these juveniles how serious their offences were again and again and told them the consequences.I was feeling very nervous at first when i heard that we were going to meet Magistrate Wong after the hearing for a QnA session ! I had a feeling that she display the same tone & hostility with us as she did with the juveniles but she turned out to be so friendly and open ! haha. I guess that the whole point of it was so that these juveniles do not repeat their mistakes again and not to commit such crimes at such a young age so that they do not become a menace and a threat to the society.
After the meeting with magistrate wong , I realised that the most common juvenile cases had got to do with smoking, vandalism, theft, carnal connection and rioting . The most common one and post popular offence was smoking . I think that smoking was the most popular offence because the juveniles are charged with only a sum of $30 for the first three times if they are caught by any official such as the police or their schools teachers , ONLY IF THEY ARE CAUGHT , or else these smokers get away Scott free. The fine of $30 will not have much of an effect on the juvenile too , as its their parents who are forking out the money from their pockets to pay the fine , NOT THEM , they don't see it as a big deal !! Only on the 4th occasion , if the juvenile is caught , he/ her will be charged in caught . I personally feel that the fine should be raised and the juveniles should be charged be charged on the 2nd occasion itself.
I also learned that there are many different factors that contribute to juvenile delinquency, like family influence , peer influence and the news and media. I feel that the influencing factors play a very important part . . For example , if a juvenile hangs out with a group of people who define delinquent behaviour as acceptable , the juveniles will be influenced by these group of 'FRIENDS" AND he/she will start engaging in this sort of activity too. From the court hearing , I could make out that many of the juveniles crimes were due to bad influence from their peers & family influence . Parents of the juveniles were either too busy working , did not bother about their child or had poor parenting skills and that was how their child got astray and started committing these crimes. Magistrate Wong had even made the order to send some of these parents for counselling to help them manage their child .
These are different types of rehabilitation the juvenile court can give to the juvenile :
home probation : juvenile spends most of his time at home supervised by his /her parents and a probation officer. There is a curfew too. ( For juveniles who's parents are able to control them-BPC)
Home & probation order : The probation order is an order that requires the offender to be under the supervision of a probation officer or a volunteer probation officer for a period between 6 months to 3 years. The juvenile will get to go home at certain times.
Court appointed home : juvenile stays at the court appointed home . for ex : Muhammadiyah
welfare home and parents are able to visit him/ her . ( juvenile may even go to school , depending on the behaviour)
Boys home / girls home : The offender may be detained in a place of detention for a period of up to 2 years - minimum where he will face strict discipline and rules to follow.
( YOUTH PRISON )
It was very amazing too see the statistics too , nearly 1000 juveniles are charged every year by the court . i realised that 5 minutes of enjoyment Just 5 minutes of "fun", could land you up in the juvenile court and you will be tainted as a juvenile for the rest of you life , regretting what you did in that moment of folly.
THINK TWICE BEFORE YOU ACT , DON'T DO ANYTHING FOOLISH !
+Khishal
My experience at the Juvenile Court by Michelle :D
Hey guys! I find the trip to court enriching. we saw many juveniles being charged and surprisingly, we found out a lot of things. we were shocked and froze when the court was in session. it may seem dumb but Magistrate Wong is very fierce and scary. I guess she wanted to discourage them from committing annother crime by being firm and angry towards them. There are many different factors that contribute to juvenile delinquency, like family and peer pressure. Most of the cases are usually theft, rioting, carnal connection and smoking. I think its appalling when you see the statistics. I used to wonder why those juveniles are so foolish. They knew the consequences but they do not want to turn over a new leaf. In fact, its not easy to quit and you need a lot of determination to do it.
Many people think that going to court is going to jail. But the juvenile court does not do that. They want to reform you and make sure that you are able to fit into society and they are being very lenient by not keeping a criminal record if you're under 16. Lets take smoking as an example. They charged you $30 for the first 3 fines and they'll only charge you on your 4th offence. Many teenagers do not see this as a big deal as $30 dollars is peanuts to them. They can afford it. However, what the court wants to do is to teach them a lesson and discourage them. From my point of view, i think the fine should be more expensive and the teenagers have to pay it themselves as its usually the parents who are "fined" and "punished for their child's act".
Do you know that even if you're holding a cigarette, even though you're not smoking, it is an offence!
Many of the families were crying after the order was made and some parents felt so disappointed with their children as they did not expect them to commit such a serious offence. Many juveniles will make an effort to change but there are some who refuse to change and even want to go back to their old ways. my advice? DON'T. one foolish act will ruin everything. I know it is difficult to change but choose your friends right and they will be the ones there to help you, along with your family.
We, as young people, have such a bright future ahead of us. Why waste our time cmmitting such crimes and getting into trouble with the law? We should continue to strive hard for a future! Just 5 minutes of "fun", could ruin your life and cause you a lifetime of regrets! I would definitely choose a bright future over 5minutes of fun and i am sure that you want it too! Thus, lets not fall into such a terrible situation by not commiting any crime!
Smile :D cheers. stay happy guys. many hugs&kisses.
HELLO EVERYONE WHO IS READING THIS! ~CHUN CHENG~
My trip to the Juvenile court,
was a fun experience.
Because it was like my first time there,
and is a Eye Opener, which i have never imagine before.
and it is so different from the show u watch on television.
IT IS SO REAL!
When i first step into the court,
it was like so scary and quiet.
As the Judge come in,
she give me shock when i say her.
As we move on,
there are about 15 to 20 juvenile which were judge on that day which i visit the court.
Most of them were charge for,
SMOKING, VANDALISM, THEFT, UNDERAGED SEX, RIOTING, FIGHTS
and lots more.
I have heared that even if u are holding a cigarette,
that is consider as an offence.
don think that if u just hold a cigarette u are also committing a crime.
There are a lot of reason why juvenile committing crime.
First, it is because of peer influence.
Second, because of their family influence.
On Peer Influence,
because some student who meet with some bad influence student,
they will end up committing crime.
From the court hearing, i find that the causes are due to,
parent no time financial unstably
No parenting skills.
which resulted the juvenil to commit a crime.
Not all juvenile who has commit a crime,
will sent to the court so immediatly.
If the case are not so serious,
they will be settled at the police station or school.
If the juvenile where sent to the court and the judge have sentence him,
he will be on either, Home Probation, Boy Home and Hostel ETC.
if some case are serious like underage sex,
then the judge will charge him with diffrerent sentence.
There are some word i have to tell u.
THINK BEFORE U ACT!!!
Think Twice before doing!!!!! - Wan Qi ;)
Hi people out there looking at this blog......
Wan Qi here to explain wat are the offences made by most of the juvenile.
Erm... Juvenile is young people below age of 16. ( For your info) Lol !!!!!!!
During my trip to the juvenile court, many juvenile are charged for smoking.
Let say there are 20 cases, half or more of it was smoking cases.
These juvenile are charged only when they are caught smoking the 4th times.
the 1st to 3rd times they caught smoking, they are only charged for $30. (Don't you think that too cheap?)
But from what i learnt from the person who came fromthe helth deparment, some juvenile are charged just because they did not pay the fines....
There is somthing i want to share with you guys....... (you may fine it lame)
How to not get caught if you smoke? = Don't smoke
How to not get caught when you shoplift? = Don't do it
Ha! Ha! Ha! Its'n that LAME!!!!!!!!
But it is correct..................
Pls peers, don't think that fine $30 only.
When you are charged on court.... That not $30. That is the fees for going to the court and the starting of losing your fredom. As what joelle said for the different places. But for what i know, peolple who smoke normally or most of them wii ended up in the homes.
So PLS peers Think Twice Before Doing(TTBD)..........
Loved Wan Qi....... Smile... :)
TeMaSek Peer Group Adviser Rocks..........
I think that this programme is fulfilling and worth it, as I had learn many things like how the judge settle the different cases my friends and I had witnessed. Being given an opportunity to witness a confidential case is really very hard to come by, thus I enjoyed the pogramme.
At the start I really did not expect the 'kind' looking judge, to be such a ferocious person. The way she settled case by case was really unanticipated by me. The way she interrogated the juvenile and asked questions was simply...
After the court cases, we had a meeting with our dear judge.When we were all waiting for her arrival, i realised that we were all nervous, I guess that it was probably the judge's 'ferociousness' that we were afraid. When she arrived and started a dialogue with all of us and the teachers, we realised that she was not so bad after all!!
Through the discussion, I realised that the most common juvenile cases had got to do with smoking, vandalism, theft, underaged sex, rioting, fights etc.
These cases are not to be neglected as even holding a cigarette for someone is considered a crime, so I think everyone has to make sure they do the right thing and do not think that this example is just a small fly, which no one cares about.
Basically, there are many reasons to why these juveniles commit these crimes. Some of these reasons are peer influence, family problems, depression and many others. Starting with peer influence, many a times if students do not study enough to get good results, they ended up landing in a weak class of students where I think bad influence from the peers is high.
The peers of the juvenile will influence in any bad ways they can like smoking, shop theft, challenging the juvenile, gangfighting and others.
Secondly, family problems also come into the story. Normally the juveniles who presented in court, have very unstable family relations. I witnessed one juvenile's record which shows that even his parents are able to support the family, the communication between them are poor. The family quarelled often, the parents are gving in too much or else the parents are too strict, in the sense that they control the juvenile too much, making the juvenile think that his house is no longer a home to him/her, thus causing the juvenile to be defiant to elders, teachers, parents etc. Then the main problems which are theft, smoking etc. will come into the picture.
After the juvenile has been arrested, the juvenile is not sent to the juvenile court immediately. The juvenile's school will settle the problem with the police first, if the case is not so serious, the juvenile will be dealt with corporal punishment in school eg. caning, detention. Then they have to be on probation by the police, if the juvenile changes for the better, they will close the case, if the juvenile does not change, he or she will be sent to the court and face further interrogation. in the case where the juvenile had done a more serious case eg. a chain of shop lift case or a underaged sex case. the juvenile will be handed over to the police and the juvenile court magistrate. From there, the juvenile will be under supervision until the next session at the court. After that the court will decide wether the juvenile is changing or not, and then the 'verdict' or sentence for the juvenile will be revealed after a few sessions eg. home probation, Hostel/home probation, boy's/girl's home.
Heres a piece of advice, never do bad things or listen too much to your peers. Think about the consequences before you act, or else you will regret.
Qingle Labels: Juvenile Court reflections, pga, tms
Thursday, July 12, 2007
My experience at the Juvenile Justice Court~ Ena
I personal felt that the trip to the Juvenile Court was a fulfilling and enriching experience for me. It not only enables me to see the common offences and consequences of rash actions, but also, see things that i would never dreamt about in my wildest nightmares.
Firstly the judge's appearance looks as though she is kind and forgiving, but when she questions the juveniles, she uses a harsh tone especially when the juvenile committed the same offence for more than once. In my opinion, I felt that the juveniles should not commit the same mistakes over and over again when he/ she was given a chance before to turn over a new leaf. However, the judge was gentle and answered patiently to our questions asked based on the offences made by the juveniles. You would really prefer to be scolded by a school teacher than the people over at the Juvenile court. All of you must remember that whatever mistake you make, the judege would still do follow-ups, not just leaving you and your probation service report aside after the court case. Both parents must be present with the juveniles during the court case unless they are divorced or one of them is ill.
Secondly, the common offences made by the juveniles are smoking,shoplifting, rioting and carnal connection, in other words, underage sex. There are different consequences to the variety of offences made by the juveniles. The order made is based on the level of remorse, conduct, attendance and performance of the juveniles in their respective schools. The four main consequences are( according to the gravity of the order): probation, home probation, hostel probation and finally Boys/ Girls Home.
Lastly, it is neither fun nor nice to be there, being a juvenile at the Juvenile court, facing the judge and the panal officers, hearing the order being made and facing the consequences of your actions.
In conclusion, I want to end with two messages for you guys out there
1) THINK TWICE BEFORE YOU ACT
2) LAW IS THERE TO PROTECT
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
My trip to the court was really an enriching experience that was indeed hard to come. I learnt to cherish my opportunities as a person and to stay crime-free.
It was just something that was really different from what I have seen on Television.
To tell you the truth, it is really not VERY nice to get charged in court. You would definitely prefer to get yelled at by your teachers than to be reprimanded in court.That type of feelings you have at that point of time you stand in court, is just plain undescribable.
So, I will like to pass a final warning to those who are tempted to commit a crime:
If you are thinking of doing something against the law, remember the above paragraph that I tell you. It might act as an obstruction for you and will resist you from attempting it.
I believe that many juveniles do not understand one fact that is: The people who suffer after they have committed a crime is not only the Juvenile themselves. But it also affects the emotions of their family members as they will feel devastated about them having to suffer.
Therefore, I am passing down this reminder once again:
ALWAYS THINK TWICE BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING. UNLESS YOU WANT TO SUFFER! { As seen on TV}
Let me share with you some of the things I have learnt through that short "course".
* Financial aid will be provided for families who do not have enough money to pay up the fine.
+ There are only ORDERS given in the Juvenile court, unlike the surbordinate court. They are:
- Home probation (supervised by parents)
- Hostel probation (usually for juveniles whose parents cannot control them)
- Probation with periodic training order (have to report to a social service agency for training)
- Detention order (staying in a detention centre for up to 3 months)
- Weekend detention order (required to stay in detention centre during weekends)
- Community servive order (required to do unpaid work at one of the participation agencies)
* In the case of an underage sexual intercourse (even if both are WILLING parties), only the male is charged. Never the female. I was pondering over this particular point for a long time and wondering why was this so. Then, my doubt was cleared by a very short and simple answer: "Because it is the female who goes through labour pains and is put at the disadvantage of being pregnant. But the male does not suffer as bad."
Do all the above ORDERS look very attractive? I DOUBT so! Therefore, NEVER START TO COMMIT A CRIME!
Monday, July 9, 2007
THANK YOU for visiting us!
Through this portal, we hope to discuss Juvenile Delinquency issues with you and AIM to Increase Awareness among Youths, Parents and Teachers in order to Lower Rates of Juvenile Offences.
Feel free to drop comments and give us feedback for betterment!
Labels: pga, tms
