Terrill: World Criminal Justice Systems: A Comparative Survey


Case Studies

Chapter 2: France

Scott is a 12-year-old French boy with a very difficult family situation. Scott is from a very impoverished neighborhood in France and has no parental supervision. His father is absent from his life, and his mother is quite abusive when she is around. More often than not, however, she away working one of her two jobs to try to provide for the family. Scott has been involved in illegal activities since he was nine years old and does not show any sign of stopping. At age 12, Scott committed burglary and vandalism at a grocery store in France. At age 16, Scott began to commit more serious offenses around his neighborhood. Eventually he was arrested for a particularly violent assault that almost led to the death of the victim.

Questions

  1. In France, what options might have been provided to Scott by the government for his crimes when he was 12? Would he be held accountable for his crimes by a juvenile court?

    Correct Answer

    Scott may have been able to access one of the banlieues that provides social services to juveniles in at-risk areas. At age 12, however, Scott could not have been held legally responsible by a French court. Offenders under age 13 are protected from any type of criminal proceeding.

  2. What would be the process for handling Scott, at age 16, when he was arrested for assault? Would he be held responsible by a court? What court?

    Correct Answer

    The court of assize for juveniles hears cases involving juveniles ages 16-17 with very serious crimes, such as Scott’s.

  3. In the court identified as processing Scott’s case above, who would hear the case in that court if incarceration was recommended as a sanction for Scott’s assault? What type of punishment might he receive?

    Correct Answer

    This court of assize is composed of a judge from the district court of appeals, two juvenile judges, and nine jurors. If incarcerated, he would be placed in a facility called a foyer.

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