Judge Lance RoweFor Judge Rowe, who joined the bench in 2016, seeing positive change in a young person is the most satisfying aspect of his job.
“The Youth Court encourages young people to positively address what’s brought them to court,” he says. “It’s about finding lasting solutions, drawing on the strengths of immediate and wider whānau that might not have been relied on in the past, but also supporting them to provide those strengths. It becomes a collaborative way of holding a young person accountable, on terms that are most likely to prevent reoffending and give them a better opportunity to identify and achieve their goals and aspirations.”
The Youth Court’s strength is it is mana focused, says Judge Rowe. “The court appropriately addresses the mana of a young person within their whānau and wider family group, and the mana of victims. All are involved or invited to be involved in designing outcomes that endure and put things right for victims.”
Judge Rowe, who also sits in the adult criminal court, says the Youth Court is “challenging, because you’re dealing with immature brains, but we get some wonderful results. Of any system, it stands the best chance of turning things around for young people and offering them chances they may not have been open to or aware of.”
This website explains many of the things you might want to know if you are coming to the Youth Court, or just wondering how the Youth Court works.
Visit website›
Ministry of Justice website with information on family issues including about going to court, forms and other times when you may need help.
Visit website›
For information about courts and tribunals, including going to court, finding a court & collection of fines and reparation.
Visit website›
On this site you will find information about our Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and High Court including recent decisions, daily lists and news.
Visit website›