NCJ Number
166233
Journal
International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice Volume: 20 Issue: 1 & 2 Dated: (Spring/Fall 1996) Pages: 257-276
Date Published
1996
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This paper describes the governmental structure and the justice system of Papua New Guinea.
Abstract
The paper identifies justice policy in relation to devolution and the involvement of the community in the justice system; discusses probation and Village Courts and constraints in their operation and development; and describes other functions of the Probation Service which assist in giving the community a voice in sentencing and in the supervision of offenders. The paper concludes that, although there has been no formal devolution policy until recently, the desirability of involving the community in the maintenance of law and order has been recognized, primarily through Village Courts and Probation. Provincial Governments have no law and order powers, which relegates them and the community to the fringes of the justice system. The paper notes that gender bias in the Village Court and within Probation and the attitude of the lower courts towards Probation are further constraints on devolution and suggests that policy makers need to address the position of the Provincial Government within the justice system. Notes, references