West Virginia also has a family and magistrate court system that handles cases related to divorce, annulment, child support, paternity, and other domestic issues.
The commission should look at extending the scope and remit of magistrates: a system in England, established almost 700 years ago by Edward I, to appoint voluntary lay people (justices of the peace), advised by a qualified lawyer, to administer prompt justice at reasonable cost.
In more difficult cases of immoral behaviour they could work with the local magistrate, in a system modelled on that employed in Geneva.
For those not familiar with the English court system, Magistrates courts are the most junior for criminal offences.
To further minimize the misuse of political power, Calvin proposed to divide it among several political institutions like the aristocracy, lower estates, or magistrates in a system of checks and balances (separation of powers).
Under the new system the magistrate used his administrative powers, which were always considerable, for the purpose of settling disputes.
If this does not work, then they can be charged under the formal juvenile court system," said Magistrate Siki.
Community-based juvenile justice system When Magistrate Siki, a committed advocate of juvenile reform who presides at Kundiawa Juvenile Court, heard their case he put the boys under the care of the local juvenile probation officer and juvenile justice volunteers.
And in further contrast to the American system, investigating magistrates are legally bound to secrecy during an inquest.
