EXPERT
COMMENT
Media and
Communications
Tel. +61 3 9925 3176
Fax +61 3 9662 2739
MELBOURNE
BRUNSWICK
BUNDOORA
FISHERMAN’S BEND
POINT COOK
HAMILTON
HO CHI MINH CITY
HANOI
–– Expert comment on teen courts ––
The Victorian Government is considering establishing youth courts, where
teenagers would hear cases and decide punishments for young people who have
committed minor offences.
What are the advantages of young offenders being judged by their peers?
What does the research show about the effectiveness of peer judgment on the
behaviour of teenagers?
RMIT University’s Professor Judith Bessant is an expert on youth issues.
Professor Bessant is the Head of RMIT’s Youth Work Program – the oldest of its
kind in Australia.
Her research interests include the just treatment of young people and supporting
ethical conduct towards teenagers.
She has made significant contributions to youth policy through government
taskforces and her own research papers.
Professor Bessant is available for comment on the issues related to youth courts.
For interviews: RMIT University’s Professor Judith Bessant, 0413 551 505.
For general media enquiries: RMIT University Media and Communications,
Gosia Kaszubska, (03) 9925 3176 or 0417 510 735.
15 October, 2008
NEWS 
