Criminal Justice

This bill (S 8196) establishes specialized "youth parts" in each county's superior court to handle cases involving juvenile and adolescent offenders. It expands eligibility for judges presiding over these youth parts beyond family court judges to include qualified superior court judges with specific training in juvenile justice and adolescent development. All judges in these youth parts must complete mandated training on topics like adolescent behavior, effective treatment methods, and custody. The youth parts will have exclusive jurisdiction over these cases, except where other laws provide exceptions.

This bill changes rules for peremptory challenges (challenges to exclude jurors without reason) in criminal trials with two or more defendants. It specifies that when defendants are tried jointly, they are treated as a single party for challenge purposes. The key provision requires that a peremptory challenge must be allowed if a majority of defendants agree or if there is a tie with an even number of defendants. This directly affects defendants in multi-defendant criminal cases by clarifying when joint challenges can be exercised.

Relates to training police officers on how to respond to situations involving individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities.

Directs the superintendent of state police, in consultation with the office of children and family services, shall develop, maintain and disseminate to all members of the state police written policies and procedures, regarding child-sensitive arrest practices.