A juvenile is a child under the age of 18 years. Children accused of crimes are normally tried in the ordinary criminal Magistrates’ Courts but in the larger cities, special Magistrates’ Courts are set aside as Juvenile Courts. Court cases involving juveniles are not open to the public (called in camera) and if possible the parents should be present.

Sometimes during the trial of a juvenile the court might send the child to the Children’s Court (See: Children’s Courts). This will happen if the court thinks that the child’s parents or guardian may be unfit or unable to look after the child, or if there are no parents or guardian. If the Children’s Court decides that the parents are fit and able to look after the child, then the case is referred back to the criminal court and the trial will continue. If the Children’s Court finds that there are no parents or guardian, or that the parents or guardian are not fit or able to look after the child properly, then the court may order that the child be removed to a ‘place of safety’. If the child is transferred from the criminal (juvenile) court to the Children’s Court, the criminal trial must wait until the Children’s Court comes to a decision. (See: Removing Children From Abuse or Neglect)