Case of Accused Girl for Murder - Term Paper Example

Court Visit Observation: Case of Accused Girl for Murder A young girl was being tried for the murder of a young man who died a few months ago. She was being cross-examined by the lawyer while a jury which consisted of 8 men and women were intently listening. The lawyer who cross-examined her seemed to be badgering her as he was very intimidating, as if he was forcing out a confession from the young girl. It was a celebrated case because the man who was murdered was a promising young man who inspired everyone with his attitude and personality. The murder happened in an interesting part of London where a predominantly black population lived. The young girl kept her head bent down all throughout the cross-examination and seemed to avoid eye-contact. She looked so nervous and helpless, as if she was not ready for the lawyer’s cross examination. Her appearance is pathetic, as if she could not defend herself. The judge seemed to take pity on her. The case hearing was later adjourned to another date. Reflection: While I observed the whole scenario, I cannot help but feel for the young girl because she seemed to be having difficulty as she answered the questions of the lawyer. Her posture was bent, manifesting a low self-confidence and perhaps, embarrassment at having to be cross-examined by a knowledgeable adult. I did not have enough information about the case. I only knew she was being accused of the murder of a young man. As I listened, I felt I needed to see the whole picture so that I can fully understand her situation. I see that she is a teenager. She’s just a child, and too young to be convicted of murder. I wanted to know her story and the details of the case. I tried to empathize with her and put myself in her shoes. If she was guilty, what could have driven her to commit such a beastly act? If she was innocent, then the whole process of the court hearing becomes useless. In any case, this was a situation that is very stressful for her and may wound her for life. In case that happens, I wonder what kind of interventions could be given to her so that she recovers from the pain, trauma and embarrassment she has experienced. I am aware that the girl on trial is not yet an adult but a child. The United Nations established the Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in 1989 and had several nations ratify it to ensure that children all over the world are not deprived of their rights. Article 2.2 of the UNCRC declares that "the child, by reason of his physical and mental immaturity, needs special safeguards and care, including appropriate legal protection, before as well as after birth". In the Children Acts 1989 and 2004, a child is “anyone who has not yet reached their 18th birthday. In the United Kingdom, even if the individual has already reached the age of sixteen, living on his own and not depending on adults, pursuing higher education, has been enlisted to join the military, is in hospital or prison or incarcerated in a Young Offenders’ Institution, he remains a child entitled to services and protection under the Children Act 1989” (HM Government, 2006, p. 34). Being a student of Social Work, and an advocate for children and their rights, I have become concerned for this girl and the events in her life that may have a strong impact on her development. I am hoping that despite the adversities in her young life, she will overcome them all and still grow up as a well-adjusted adult, wizened by her experiences. Court Visit Observation: Trial of a Man Alleged to Force a Young Girl into Oral Sex A man was being accused by a young girl of forcing her to engage in oral sex. She claims that the man brought her and two of her friends to a furnished three-bedroom house. On the way, he stopped by a store to buy Vodka and sandwiches for them. Upon dropping them off in the said house, the girls began consuming the food and drinks he bought. They even had a male friend come over to join them in the house and there they enjoyed each others’ company. The older man came back to the house at around 3 AM and was upset to find the teenagers having a little party in the house. He got mad at them and pulled the young girl who is suing him to a bedroom, ordering her to perform oral sex on him. In the trial, he denied the girl’s claim and said nothing happened and explained that the girl was just hired to clean up the house, together with her friends. He even paid the girl £10 for her cleaning services. Reflection: While observing the trial, I tried to be objective in listening to both sides of the story. However, I cannot help but feel for the young girl because she was a minor struggling to fight for her rights. The man was an adult who is assumed to be mature enough to know that he should not be buying alcoholic drinks for young girls, who were still considered children under the law. It was also dubious why he would bring them to the house at an odd time and checking up on them at an unholy hour in the morning. Clearly, it was not only because he was suspicious that the teenagers were trashing the property. He set out with the intention of taking advantage of the young girl knowing by that time, she would be intoxicated by the vodka he let her drink. Under Article 2.2 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), young people under the age of 18 should be protected from all forms of abuse. The oral sex forced on the girl is a form of sexual abuse. In the document for Every Child Matters,Working Together to Safeguard Children (HM Government, 2006), sexual abuse is described as involving a child or a young person to take part in sexual activities with physical contact “including penetrative (e.g. rape, buggery or oral sex) or non-penetrative acts. They may include non-contact activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of, sexual online images, watching sexual activities, or encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways.” (p. 38). If proven that the man has actually abused the young girl, then he deserves to be punished for it. Under Article 19 of the UNCRC, ‘States Parties shall take all appropriate legislative, administrative, social and educational measures to protect the child from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation including sexual abuse, while in the care of parent(s), legal guardian(s) or any other person who has the care of the child’. I can only imagine the agony that the young girl is going through. It does not matter if she was out with her friends enjoying the house which they were brought to by the accused and drinking alcohol when it is prohibited for them. They may have made a mistake there and this can be attributed to the immaturity of youth. However, to be forced to perform a sexual act by another adult who is supposed to be the mature one looking out for the younger, immature teenagers, is unacceptable. As a social worker upholding the rights of children and youth, I am out to promote the best interests of this young lady. I am concerned for her welfare and hope she gets the justice she deserves. References DfEs Children Act and Reports, (1989; 2004) information retrieved from http://dfes.gov.uk/publications/childrenactreport/#1989 and http://dfes.gov.uk/publications/childrenactreport/#2004 HM Government (2006) Working Together to Safeguard Children: A guide to inter-agency working to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. Every Child Matters Change for Children. London: TSO United Nations (1989) Convention on the rights of the child (Geneva, United Nations). Read More