The Washington herald., 1912-01-14
REVIEW OF JUVENILE COURT YEAR
REVEALS EFFECTIVENESS OF WORK

the youthful defendant after several min
utes Of reflection
"Yes. because he might steal 1t. I" adds
the court. That should show you that
it's written on your very heart, Thou
shalt not steal And as you do not want
the thief around you. so nobody wants
you around II you steal"
The youngster stands silently before the
judges desk. his eyes fixed on the floor.
He is apparently unmoved.
You don't love your mother.'' says
Judge De Lacy, after a moment Of 81
lence.
yes. SIR answers the defendant. part
ly Strengthening up.
''WhatY' exclainns the court, apparently
astonished. Your actions speak other
wise Do you want people on the street
to point to your mother and say, There
goes the mother Of boy who Is q
thiefT"
mo, sir"
but you've made that possible. haven't
your continued Judge De Lacy.
Are re- you. you sorry for what you have
done?"
''Yes, SIR"
Then go to your mother, throw your
arms around her neck, tell her you're
sorry for bringing this disgrace upon her.
and ask her to forgive you," orders
Judge De Lacy.
Needing the Trouble.
The youngster remains motionless. The
court repeats the order. The boy moves
with slow and measured tread to the
places his arm for a moment partly
around her waist. telling her that he is
sorry. The mother invariably bursts into
M In 7En ~ 1FFN nf
100. the boys heart Is touched, he too
realizing the seriousness OF the offense,
and the disgrace he has brought upon
his parents. This is the most effective
work of the court. II brings the young
sters to a realization OF the horrors Of
lawlessness and OF the results Of wrong
doing.
When the sobblng has partly ceased.
and the mother is somewhat composed,
the court then prepares TO conclude the
act.
We'll, my boy" says Judge De Lacy,
the thief has no title to what he takes.
Your taking that article did not make 10
yours. So you will be compelled to make
restitution for the stolen property"
The arrangements for restitution are so
made that the burden Is placed entirely
upon the child, and not upon the par
ents. Arrangements are made for week
hardships will be inflicted upon the young
defendants.
A large percentage OF the juvenile
offenders are arraigned for assault.
During the past year there were l70
such cases. Prosecuting witnesses,
some Iimping, some bearing bandaged
arms, some showing unmistakable
signs OF battle, appear to tell Judge
De Lacy the causes OF the conflicts.
After hearing the long tales graphic
ally describing every blow, Judge De
Lacy suddenly addresses the defendant
in loud voice.
Are you a tiger?"
Not q Tiger.
Me? No, SIR" answers the young
ster, astonished. Sometimes, however.
in their fright the youthful defendants
unwtttingIy answer "Yes. sir"
Well" says Judge De Lacy. "if you
were a tiger 1 could understand how
you would want to destroy this little
fellow. But you are human, and. con-
sequently, however fierce you may be,
you can never become as ferocious as
the beast. The mark of humanity is
to extend the open hand OF helpfulness
instead of advancing the clench fist to
strike Are you sorry for what you
have doner'
Yes, sir" comes the faint reply from
the assaiIant, after a protracted pause.
Then tell the little boy whom you
struck that you are sorry. and ask him
to forgive you" demands the court.
The youngster walks slowly to the
side of the prosecuting witness. and