Court Opinion

ID: 9658483
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-23 21:01:30.653761+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:13:55.698068
License: Public Domain

SAND, Justice
(special concurrence and dissent).
While I concur with the principles and concepts discussed and applied in the opinion authored by Chief Justice Erickstad, I also dissent on the basis that the opinion does not give adequate consideration and weight to the nature of the “crime” and the circumstances under which it was committed. In Interest of P. W. N., 301 N.W.2d 636 (N.D.1981); Interest of A. D. L., 301 N.W.2d 380 (N.D.1981). Even though these cases involve hearings concerning the transfer to adult court, nevertheless the concept is applicable to this case. In this instance the only reference to the “crime” is that it was robbery, but little, if any, consideration or weight is given to what violence, if any, was used or if any physical injury was inflicted. Neither does the opinion discuss if the “crime” was premeditated, on the spur of the moment, or if the juvenile was conned into it, or whatever may have brought about the “crime.” Merely because this is the first crime the juvenile was involved in or found guilty of should not be the prevailing item in determining the disposition of the matter. For example, assume the first offense is a brutal murder, should the fact that it was the first offense be the prevailing matter in making the disposition? I think not.
In my opinion, the circumstance under which the crime was committed, as well as the nature of the crime, and the violence involved needs to be seriously considered and weighed in the disposition of the matter. In Interest of P. W. N., supra, we noted that the “nature and severity of the offense must be given some consideration at a transfer hearing.” If the record is inadequate to give consideration to these items I would remand the case for further proceedings to specifically cover the nature of the crime, the circumstances under which it was committed, and the violence used or inflicted.
In my judgment these are all matters that relate directly to the welfare and best interests of the child.