Resumen En el presente artículo, el autor analiza la adecuada reinserción social del recluso como finalidad de la ejecución de la pena privativa de la libertad en el Estado social y democrático de Derecho de la República Argentina. Con ese propósito, el jurista identifica los diferentes modelos de readaptación social (“readaptación para la moralidad” y “readaptación para la legalidad”), con sus virtudes y críticas. Por último, él examina los condicionamientos que impone un arquetipo de Estado social y democrático de Derecho, a la hora de adherir a uno u otro de esos modelos, y, finalmente, expone sus razones a favor de un paradigma de readaptación social mínimo.

Abstract In this article, the author analyzes the adequate social reintegration of the prisoner as the purpose of the execution of the custodial sentence in the social and democratic state of law of the Argentine Republic. To this end, the jurist identifies the different models of social readaptation (“readaptation for morality” and “readaptation for legality”), with their virtues and criticisms. Finally, he examines the conditions imposed by an archetype of social and democratic state of law, when adhering to one or the other of these models, and finally exposes his reasons in favor of a paradigm of minimal social readaptation.

Parole is a new correctional measure in the Nigerian penal system. Before 2015 inmates could be released before the expiration of their terms of imprisonment only if they were granted pardons by the governor of a state or by the president. However, this has changed with the coming into force of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act of 2015 (ACJA). The ACJA empowers courts, upon the recommendation of the comptroller-general of the Nigerian Correctional Service, to release inmates on parole. The ACJA also states the two conditions that the comptroller-general must consider before he recommends inmates for parole. The first condition is that the inmates must be of good behaviour, and the second is that the inmates must have served their non-parole periods. While there is no ambiguity on the first condition, the scope of the second condition is not well stated in the ACJA. The ACJA states that inmates that are sentenced to at least fifteen years or life imprisonment must have served at least one-third of their sentence before they can be recommended for parole. However, the ACJA does not state the minimum period that inmates who are sentenced to less than fifteen years of imprisonment must have served before they can be recommended for parole by the comptroller-general. Second, life imprisonment in Nigeria theoretically means imprisonment for the remaining period of the natural life of the inmates upon whom such a sentence has been imposed. In this light it is not clear how the comptroller-general would calculate one-third of an indeterminate sentence for the purpose of determining when to recommend such inmates for parole. Another notable omission in the ACJA is that it does not state the conditions that courts may attach to the release of inmates on parole. Also, ACJA does not make provision for medical parole. To make parole an effective correctional measure in Nigeria, this article suggests that the ACJA should be amended to address all these weaknesses.

Abstract This study seeks to expose the need for a specific procedure within the Ecuadorian legal system for drug users- those dependent on prohibited substances that hardly allow them to control their addiction-who end up being prosecuted as micro-traffickers, since the law that processes them does not have a legal procedure to impose security measures intended to rescue them from addiction. As a result, custodial sentence as a measure of personal coercion has to be applied, which results in an excess in the sanction and in the saturation of prisons with people who should not be treated as criminals, but as drug addicts. For this, the procedure of security measures applied to consumers in Venezuela will be taken as a model. The first contribution of the investigation was the articulation of strategies, whose objective is to avoid the repression of the consumer in the Ecuadorian penal system, as a way to guarantee only their prosecution for the crimes of possession and trafficking, and to avoid impunity through a more effective criminal control system.

Resumen La presente investigación quiso exponer la necesidad de un procedimiento específico dentro del ordenamiento jurídico ecuatoriano para el consumidor de drogas -debido a una dependencia de sustancias prohibidas- que difícilmente le permite controlar su adicción y que son enjuiciados como microtraficante, en virtud de que la legislación que los procesa no cuenta con un procedimiento legal para imponerle unas medidas de seguridad que busquen rescatarlo de su adicción; permitiendo así, aplicar como medida de coerción personal la pena privativa de libertad, que redunda en un exceso en la sanción y en la saturación de los centros penitenciarios con personas que no deben ser tratadas como delincuentes, sino como drogodependientes. Para ello, se tomará como modelo el procedimiento de medidas de seguridad aplicado a los consumidores en Venezuela. Como primer resultado de la investigación, se obtuvo la contribución del estudio para articular estrategias, cuyo objetivo sea evitar en el sistema penal ecuatoriano, la represión del consumidor, garantizando solo el procesamiento para los delitos de posesión y tráfico, evitando así la impunidad mediante un sistema de control penal solo para quienes cometan un delito.

Abstract: It has been kept silent for fear of the stigma of an unjust society in front of a human being who in his actions contravened the law and as a consequence has been punished with the imposition of a custodial sentence. The Organic Integral Penal Code allows certain convicted persons to have their prison sentence conditionally suspended, complying with the legal conditions imposed by the judge and for a period of time equal to that of the sentence imposed. The conditional suspension of the sentence as a legal figure, grants the benefit of serving the sentence without the need for freedom, conditioning it to the fulfillment of certain legal conditions.

Resumen: Se ha mantenido en silencio por el temor al estigma de una sociedad injusta frente a un ser humano, que en su actuar contravino la norma y como consecuencia de ello ha sido sancionado con la imposición de una pena privativa de su libertad. El Código Orgánico Integral Penal permite a determinados sentenciados, a que la pena privativa de la libertad que le fuera impuesta sea suspendida de manera condicional, cumpliendo las condiciones legales que le sea impuesta por el juzgador y por un tiempo igual al de la pena impuesta. La suspensión condicional de la pena como figura jurídica, otorga el beneficio de cumplir la pena sin necesidad de que sea coartada la libertad, condicionándola al cumplimiento de determinadas condiciones legales.

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyze the main criteria and standards developed in the field of international human rights law that delimitate the scope of the right to a special treatment in the execution of the penalty of deprivation of liberty for juveniles in contrast with adults. The work identifies the concrete consequences of the need for a specialized execution of sentences for juveniles in the regulation of institutions and guarantees established in favour of minors within the execution of the sanction of juvenile imprisonment, and then it determines how they have been recognized and developed by the corpus juris of international human rights law (international legislation, doctrine and case law). First, the paper analyzes how the reinforced protection of juvenile prisoners is recognized in the international human rights system, concluding that it is widely recognized. Then, it argues that this reinforced protection requires differences with respect to the treatment of adults, which can be systematized in five areas that are subject to a detailed review: orientation of the execution of the sentence of juvenile imprisonment, prison conditions, prison regime, good order and control mechanisms.

Resumen El artículo que se presenta a continuación tiene por objeto identificar y analizar los criterios y estándares más relevantes del derecho internacional de los derechos humanos, que fundan el derecho a un tratamiento especial en la ejecución de la sanción privativa de libertad juvenil respecto de los adultos. El artículo profundiza en los corolarios concretos que se desprenden de la necesidad de una ejecución especializada de jóvenes en la regulación de las etapas y garantías de la ejecución de la sanción de encierro juvenil establecidas en favor de los menores. Para ello, se analiza primeramente la forma en que la protección reforzada de los menores presos es reconocida por el corpus juris del derecho internacional de los derechos humanos (la legislación, doctrina y jurisprudencia internacional), concluyendo que tiene un reconocimiento expreso. Posteriormente, se explica que esa protección reforzada exige diferencias precisas respecto al tratamiento de adultos presos que pueden ser sistematizadas en cinco ejes, que son objeto de análisis pormenorizado: orientación de la ejecución de la sanción privativa de libertad juvenil, condiciones carcelarias, régimen penitenciario, buen orden y mecanismos de control.

Abstract: When a person is sentenced and imposed a custodial sentence, they must enter a social rehabilitation center, since one purpose of the sentence is to seek a correct rehabilitation of the sentenced person. With this, the state will have to provide all facilities so that the sentenced person can be rehabilitated and reintegrated into society, complying with legal and dogmatic postulates of the penalty. A review of doctrine, jurisprudence and criminal dogmatics was made on the penalty and rehabilitation of the sentenced person. Thus, it was established that in our Ecuadorian state this purpose is not fulfilled, since the main focus of this is corruption, which comes from the upper echelons of the government in power.

Resumen: Cuando una persona es sentenciada e impuesta una pena privativa de libertad, esta debe ingresar a un centro de rehabilitación social, ya que una finalidad de la pena es buscar una correcta rehabilitación de la persona sentenciada. Con ello el estado tendrá que brindar todas facilidades para que el sentenciado pueda rehabilitarse y reintegrase a la sociedad, cumpliendo con postulados jurídicos y dogmáticos de la pena. Se hizo una revisión de doctrina, jurisprudencia y dogmática penal sobre la pena y la rehabilitación de la persona sentenciada. Así se estableció que en nuestro estado ecuatoriano no se cumple con esa finalidad, ya que el principal foco de esto es la corrupción, que provienen de las altas esferas del gobierno de turno.

Abstract: Through a criminological perspective and considering the Chilean Juvenile Criminal Responsibility Law, this article explores the conflicts that emerge both among young offenders serving a custodial sentence in Chilean young offender detention facilities, and between them and the staff of such institutions. We explore the staff´s practices for dealing with such conflicts. Thus, we determine the most frequent problems, the causes that originate them, as well as the disciplinary sanctions that were applied in these situations. The empirical data was collected from 112 records of visits carried out by the Inter-institutional Supervision Commission of Youth Detention Centers between 2014 and 2017. We studied these records focusing on three aspects: discipline, regulation, and social cohabitation. The conclusions show that similarly to adult prisoners, the criminogenic contagion intensifies in prison-like environments. For example, physical assaults among the young offenders, drugs, and others. This study also reveals that the psychosocial teams´ and staffs´ practices, whenever they face these situations requires them to be able to exert and apply specialised intervention techniques. These practices should be able to manage the conflicts of these young people while being able to focus on reducing the harms of imprisonment.

Resumen: El artículo presenta en perspectiva criminológica y de la Ley n° 20.084 de Responsabilidad Penal Adolescente los conflictos de convivencia que surgen tanto entre los jóvenes que cumplen sanción privativa de libertad en las secciones juveniles de Gendarmería, como entre estos y los profesionales y funcionarios que allí se desempeñan. Se investigan los conflictos y faltas más frecuentes, las razones que los originan, así como las sanciones y medidas que se aplican en estas situaciones. La fuente empírica proviene de la revisión del factor disciplina, reglamento y convivencia contenido en las 112 actas semestrales emitidas por las visitas de la Comisión Interinstitucional de Supervisión de las Secciones Juveniles de los establecimientos penitenciarios entre 2014 y 2017. Las conclusiones dan cuenta de que el contagio criminógeno que se recrudece en la prisión contribuye a detonar conflictos de convivencia clásicos del encierro: riñas, agresiones físicas, drogas, disputas por liderazgo, entre otros. Asimismo, las prácticas de profesionales y funcionarios frente a estos conflictos resultan en su mayoría clásicas y se distribuyen asimétricamente a nivel regional, situación que demanda incorporar conocimientos y destrezas capaces de responder a la complejidad que presentan estos conflictos y concentradas en reducir los daños del encarcelamiento.

Resumen El objetivo de este artículo es discutir conflictos dialógicos vividos por hombres privados de la libertad en un sistema carcelario en el cual la persona asume una doble posición: cumple su pena, pero participa de la administración de la institución penal, como responsable por la seguridad. En uno de los resultados de una investigación cualitativa, que consistió en un estudio de caso en el método alternativo de cumplimiento de pena privativa de la liberta. Discutiremos aquí, selectivamente, resultados de un recorrido de 12 visitas a la institución para observar cómo se daban las relaciones interpersonales, con registro de las informaciones en un diario de campo, y entrevistas con 18 personas, ante consentimiento previo. De la convivencia entre los hombres privados de la libertad, así como del compartir de experiencias alegres y tristes en el contexto institucionalizado, emergió un campo de mutua afectación, intercambios dialógicos y afectivo-cognitivos relevantes a la construcción del Self. Como el compartir intersubjetivo nunca es pleno, la investigación nos permitió comprender como las personas pueden conducir su curso de acción en dirección a un distanciamiento personal en las relaciones interpersonales e institucionales, fortaleciendo actitudes auto-reflexivas no verbalizadas.

Abstract The aim of this article is to discuss dialogical conflicts experienced by men deprived of their freedom in a prison system in which the person assumes a dual position: he fulfills his sentence but participates in the administration of the penal institution as responsible for security. It is one of the results of a qualitative research, which consisted of a case study an alternative method of serving a custodial sentence. We will here selectively discuss the results of 12 visits to the institution to observe how interpersonal relationships tended to occur; information were recorded in a field diary, and interviews with 18 people were carried out with prior consent. From the interactions of the institutionalized men, in which they shared joyful and sad experiences in the institutional context, emerged a field of mutual affect, dialogical and affective-cognitive exchanges relevant to the construction of the Self. Because intersubjective sharing is never complete, the research allowed us to understand how people can conduct the course of their action towards a personal separation regarding interpersonal and institutional relationships, and strengthening more nonverbal self-reflexive attitudes.

Resumo O objetivo desse artigo é discutir conflitos dialógicos vivenciados por homens privados de liberdade em um sistema prisional no qual a pessoa assume dupla posição: cumpre sua pena, mas participa da administração da instituição penal, como responsável pela segurança. É um dos resultados de uma pesquisa qualitativa, que consistiu em um estudo de caso no método alternativo de cumprimento de pena privativa de liberdade. Discutiremos aqui, seletivamente, resultados de um percurso de 12 visitas à instituição para observar como se davam as relações interpessoais, com registro das informações em um diário de campo, e entrevistas com 18 pessoas, perante consentimento prévio. Do convívio entre os homens privados de liberdade, bem como do compartilhamento de experiências alegres e tristes no contexto institucionalizado, emergiu um campo de mútua afetação, trocas dialógicas e afetivo-cognitivas relevantes à construção do Self. Como o compartilhamento intersubjetivo nunca é pleno, a pesquisa nos permitiu compreender como a pessoas podem conduzir seu curso de ação em direção a um afastamento pessoal nas relações interpessoais e institucionais, fortalecendo atitudes autorreflexivas não verbalizadas.

Resumo Este artigo discute a garantia de direitos civis e a proteção contra agressões físicas para adolescentes em cumprimento de medida de internação. A relação entre direitos civis e proteção do corpo dos adolescentes é aqui entendida a partir do conceito de cidadania disjuntiva e da noção de corpo incircunscrito, que remetem aos processos contraditórios de constituição da cidadania no Brasil. Com base em pesquisa qualitativa realizada em prontuários e pastas de adolescentes que deram entrada na antiga Febem de São Paulo, entre 1990 e 2006, e focando o que esses documentos permitem dizer sobre a violência física nas unidades de internação, o artigo apresenta como essa violência revela um paradoxo entre expansão e violação de direitos civis, tornando possível que investimentos na garantia desses direitos ocorram ao mesmo tempo em que sua violação permaneça na forma de castigos físicos.

Abstract This article analyses the guarantee of civil rights and the prevention against physical abuse for young offenders during custodial sentences. The analytical framework of this discussion considers the guarantee of rights for these young persons as an issue of citizenship, which constitution in Brazil is characterized by contradictory processes that are here defined in the concept of disjunctive citizenship and in the notion of unbounded body. The data presented in this article refers to a qualitative research in the dossiers of young offenders who had been sentenced to incarceration in one of the juvenile detention centers of Febem/São Paulo, from 1990 until 2006. And the results demonstrate how the situations of physical violence registered in the dossiers (including unofficial corporal punishments)reveal important changes and permanencies that can be understood as part of the contradictory processes of violation and expansion of the civil rights of young offenders.

Abstract: The article addresses the problems observed in the process of serving custodial sentences by elder people, focusing mainly on the treatment offered in the comparative law, and the inconveniences it may cause to elderly. It proposes an approach based on the need of stating a fundamental difference by separating the analysis and resolution of the situation depending on the type of illness suffered by the convicted person. This division states three different categories; the ones diagnosed with chronic or terminal illnesses, the ones suffering the effects of a specific pathology which significantly impacts their mental health and the ones who simply endure the conditions of old age. The aim of this proposal is to specify the characteristics of each circumstance with the purpose of noticing possible problems and their effective solutions. Finally, the lack of discussion about the topic in Chile (specifically in the legislative field) is strongly criticized by this article with the objective of exposing the importance of addressing these differences to handle crimes against humanity.

Resumen: El trabajo aborda los problemas que plantea el cumplimiento de condenas privativas de libertad por parte de adultos mayores. Se hace cargo del tratamiento que se ofrece fundamentalmente en el derecho comparado y de las problemáticas que ofrece proponiendo una aproximación basada en la necesidad de realizar una distinción fundamental, separando el análisis y resolución de la situación que enfrentan los condenados que padecen enfermedades crónicas o terminales; los que sufren los efectos de patologías que inciden de manera importante en su salud mental y la de quienes simplemente presentan las condiciones propias de un adulto mayor. Con ello se propone una caracterización específica para cada supuesto que habilita a advertir problemáticas y soluciones diversas, que se aleja del tradicional recurso a razones de carácter humanitario. Se aborda finalmente las particularidades que ofrece el escaso tratamiento que ha tenido la temática en Chile (especialmente en el ámbito legislativo) lo que lleva necesariamente a tratar las diferencias que supone el tratamiento de este tipo de temas en el contexto de crímenes de lesa humanidad.

Abstract This article deals with the general evolution of deprivation of liberty, first as custody and then as a proper penalty, to investigate the ideological devices that have historically ensured the exclusion of those sentenced to imprisonment of their consideration as rights holders, whose exercise should not be affected but only with respect to the rights or duties committed with the nature of the sentence (s) imposed. In particular, it examines the theoretical discourses that have allowed the "administrativization" of the execution of imprisonment sentences since its dissociation with the phase of its imposition in the sentence have led to the attribution of different ends to the penalty of imprisonment, depending on when the punitive state practice is expressed. The consequence has been the understanding (of) that criminal law, with its principles and guarantees, only reaches the moment of judicial imposition of sentence; jail is out, and so is the rule of law.

Resumen El presente artículo aborda la evolución general de la privación de libertad, primero como custodia de aseguramiento y, después, como pena propiamente tal para indagar en los dispositivos ideológicos que han asegurado históricamente y hasta el día de hoy la exclusión de los condenados a penas de cárcel de su consideración como sujetos titulares de derechos, cuyo ejercicio no debiera ser afectado sino únicamente respecto del o los derechos comprometidos con la naturaleza de la(s) pena(s) impuesta(s). En particular, se examinan los discursos teóricos que han permitido la “administrativización” de la ejecución de las penas privativas de libertad a partir de su disociación con la fase de su imposición en la sentencia, y que han conducido a la atribución de distintos fines a la pena según cuál sea el momento en que se expresa la práctica punitiva estatal. La consecuencia ha sido la comprensión (de) que el derecho penal, con sus principios y garantías, solo llega hasta el momento de la imposición judicial de la pena; la cárcel queda fuera y también el estado de derecho.

South African courts, in at least two reported cases, have dealt with restorative justice (RJ) in sentencing offenders (i.e. State v. Thabethe (Thabethe); and State v. Seedat (Seedat). In both cases, the Supreme Court of Appeal gave limited regard to RJ, with the presiding judges '[cautioning] seriously against the use of restorative justice as a sentence for serious offences'. However, in countries such as New Zealand, courts have handed down custodial sentences in cases of serious offences while giving due regard to RJ at the same time. The purpose of this article is to highlight some of the strategies that New Zealand courts have invoked to ensure that a balance is struck between retributive justice and RJ. On the basis of this analysis, a conclusion is drawn that RJ can play a role in criminal matters by having it reflect through reduced sentences. With such a strategy, courts can strike a balance between the clear and powerful need for a denunciating sentence on the one hand, and RJ on the other.

Este artículo presenta los resultados de la investigación: Significaciones del proceso de integración social de jóvenes exinfractores en la ciudad de Cali; específicamente el análisis y discusión de resultados de las experiencias expuestas por aquellos que han egresado de un centro reeducativo de la ciudad de Cali luego de recibir una sanción privativa de la libertad. El proceso de integración social fue caracterizado por tres campos específicos: redes de apoyo, formación académica y trabajo. De esta forma, se realizó un análisis de corte cualitativo a partir de la realización de entrevistas semiestructuradas, retomando algunos referentes conceptuales abordados principalmente desde el desarrollo del concepto de significación y sentido subjetivo

This article presents the results of the research: Meanings of Social Integration Process in Young Ex-offenders in the city of Cali, specifically the analysis and discussion of results from the experience offered by young people who have graduated from a custodial sentence from a reeducational center in the city of Cali. The process of social integration was characterized starting from three specific areas: support networks, academic training and work. Thus, a qualitative analysis was performed from conducting semi-structured interviews, retaking some conceptual references addressed primarily from the development of the concept of meaning and subjective meaning

Explicações da criminalidade baseadas em teorias de controle social defendem que o enfraquecimento dos laços sociais e a não internalização dos padrões morais favorecem o cometimento de crimes. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar se jovens infratores que cumprem medidas socioeducativas em meio aberto e já passaram, ou não, por medida de internação apresentam diferenças na intensidade em que estiveram submetidos a fatores que operam o controle social informal. Foi utilizado um survey aplicado a 243 jovens em cumprimento de medida socioeducativa em meio aberto em Minas Gerais, que compõem a amostra deste estudo. A metodologia de análise incluiu a estimação de modelos de regressão logística binomial. Os resultados apontaram que os socioeducandos que estão submetidos, de forma mais intensiva, a determinados fatores de controle social, apresentam menores chances de estarem em progressão de medida, ou seja, de terem cumprido algum tipo de medida socioeducativa de internação no passado.

Explanations about criminality based on social control theories suggest that the weakening of social bonds and the non-internalization of moral standards increase the likelihood of delinquency. The goal of this study was to verify whether juvenile offenders participating in non-custodial socio-educational programs, having or not previously served custodial sentences, display differences in regard to the intensity with which they have been subjected to elements of informal social control. A survey applied to juveniles participating in non-custodial socio-educational programs in Minas Gerais was used, with a sample of 243 individuals. The analysis methodology included descriptive statistics as well as the evaluation of binomial logistic regression models. The results indicated that the individuals participating in socio-educational programs - who are more intensively subjected to certain social control factors - display a lower probability of being in rehabilitation, that is, of having already served a custodial sentence in the past.

Les analyses de la criminalité qui se fondent sur les théories du contrôle social défendent que l'appauvrissement des liens sociaux et la non-internationalisation des moeurs favorisent la perpétration de crimes. L'objectif de cette étude fut de vérifier si de jeunes délinquants, qui font l'objet de mesures socio-éducatives en milieu non carcéral, ayant ou non déjà fait l'objet de mesures d'emprisonnement, présentent des différences selon l'intensité de soumission aux facteurs d'opération du contrôle social informel. Nous avons réalisé une enquête sur des jeunes qui font l'objet de mesures socio-éducatives non carcérales dans l'Etat de Minas Gerais. Notre étude est composée d'un échantillon de 243 individus. La méthodologie de l'analyse comprend l'estimation des modèles de régression logistique binomiale. Les résultats ont démontré que les jeunes sous mesure sociale, soumis de forme intensive à des facteurs déterminés de contrôle social, présentent moins de chance de progression de mesure.

In this contribution a number of procedural issues related to the sentencing of child offenders and emanating from the Chiild Justice Act 75 of 2008 are considered in some detail. As a general rule, the Act requires pre-sentence reports to be obtained from probation officers before sentencing any child offender, with only a limited number of exceptions. The article argues that the peremptory nature of the Act means that a probation report is always required, even if reports by other experts are also available. The exceptions are limited to instances other than those where the child offender is sentenced to any form of imprisonment or to residence in a care centre. The article addresses the question of whether or not the reference to imprisonment includes alternative imprisonment which is imposed only as an alternative to a fine. It suggests that alternative imprisonment should, generally, not be imposed on child offenders. When an exception is not prevented because of the sentence, a pre-sentence report may be dispensed with only when the offence is a schedule-1 offence (the least serious class of offences) or when obtaining a report would prejudice the child. It is argued that these exceptions are likely to occur rather rarely. A final aspect of the Act's provisions on pre-sentence reports is the requirement that reasons be given for a departure from the recommendations in a pre-sentence report. This requirement merely confirms the status quo. The Act permits the prosecutor to provide the court with a victim impact statement. Such a statement is defined in the Act. It is a sworn statement by a victim or someone authorised by the victim explaining the consequences to the victim of thecommission of the crime. The article also addresses the issue of whether or not the child justice court might mero motu obtain a victim impact statement when the prosecution does not do so. Finally, the article addresses appeals against and reviews of the trial courts' sentences. It notes that appeal by the child offender is made somewhat easier, as some child offenders need not obtain leave to appeal. These include children under the age of 16, or older children sentenced to imprisonment. Again, the meaning of "imprisonment" is at least somewhat ambiguous. The provisions on automatic review have attracted considerable judicial attention already. The majority of these judgments confirmed the apparently clear wording of the Act, in terms of which the cases of all child offenders under the age of 16 should be reviewed regardless of whether they were legally represented or of the sentence imposed. In the case of child offenders aged 16 or 17, only custodial sentences are reviewable. The judgments which found this to be an incorrect interpretation are dealt with in some detail, with the conclusion that they were incorrectly decided.