Abstract: | Summary The data collected for this review confirmed the suspected widevariation in practice relating to school reports, with a biastowards their not being shown to parents and defendants. Nogeographic or demographic explanation for the variety of practiceemerged, however the comments of justices' clerks suggest thatin many courts it is their influence together with that of headteachersand juvenile panel members which effectively determines practice.The data also reveals a disturbing incidence of disregard forthe rules as laid down in the Magistrates Courts (Children andYoung Persons) Rules 1970. |