On the Bottom of the Pile

Examines the Victorian (Australia) Children's Court & the potential for interference with the independent judiciary due to the court's dependence on the government for financial & administrative resources. It is asserted that recent Victorian experience demonstrates that considerable pressure can be brought on the senior magistrate through political & media comment. The Court, as governed by the Children & Young Persons Act 1989, & the Carney Report, which recommended a tribunal structure for the Family Division of the Children's Court, are discussed. It is concluded that separating the Children's Court from the Magistrates' Court would not only assist the independence of the court, but also signify the critical status of children within the court system & community. M. Greenberg