Legal framework of the advisor of the court for children in Malaysia: An analysis
List of Authors
  • Norazla Abdul Wahab , Nur Zulfah Md Abdul Salam

Keyword
  • Children, Courts for Children, Advisors, Criminal Justice System. Juvenile Justice System

Abstract
  • Section 11 of the Child Act 2001 provides that the advisor of the court for children has the role of advising the magistrate in giving orders to the child who is in conflict with the law and if necessary to advise the parents or guardians of the child. However, this is the only provision relating to Children Court advisors in Malaysia. In fact, the provision is too general and does not explained on the mechanism of execution of duties of the Children Court advisors, their appointment’s criteria as well as the training and module provided for them. Thus, this article aims to identify the legal frameworks of the Advisor of the Court for Children in Malaysia in particularly the jurisdiction, mechanism of execution of duties, the appointment’s criteria, modules and training involved. An analysis will be made of legal documents and academic journals. Semi-structured interviews also be conducted with the Social Welfare Department (JKM) of Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) and the Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) of Prime Minister's Department (JPM); the government bodies that are related with the Children Court advisors in order to obtain relevant information for this study. The research suggests a legal framework for the Children Court Advisor in Malaysia. This study is significant in improving the function of Children Court Advisors in assisting Magistrates in Malaysia.

Reference
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