GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1993

H	2 

HOUSE BILL 357
Committee Substitute Favorable 5/3/93

Short Title:  Juv. Judge Mand. Cert.	(Public)
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Sponsors:
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Referred to:  
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February 25, 1993

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO URGE DISTRICT COURT JUDGES TO OBTAIN CERTIFICATION PRIOR TO HEARING CASES IN JUVENILE COURT.
Whereas, the General Statutes include special laws relating to juveniles and district court judges who preside in juvenile court must have a detailed knowledge of these laws; and
Whereas, the North Carolina Court of Appeals has ruled that the fact that the juvenile proceeding is not an ordinary criminal proceeding increases the burden of the State to see that a child's rights are protected; and 
Whereas, district court judges who decide juvenile court cases need to be sensitive to the emotional needs of children and families involved in the court system, and also need to have a keen awareness of issues such as child development, family dynamics, the causes and effects of child abuse, and the effects of severe social problems on families; and
Whereas, awareness of these complex issues can be enhanced by specialized training for judges; and
Whereas, specialized training in juvenile cases and certification for district court judges in juvenile issues is currently available in North Carolina through training offered by the Administrative Office of the Courts; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
Section 1.  The General Assembly of North Carolina strongly urges district court judges to obtain the specialized training and certification in juvenile court issues that is offered by the Administrative Office of the Courts.  Sitting district court judges who are not yet certified in juvenile issues are urged to obtain certification within one year of the passage of this resolution.  New district court judges are urged to obtain certification within one year of assuming judicial office.
Sec. 2.  This act is effective upon ratification.