Chengdu, the capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, is establishing the country's first court for juvenile delinquents.

Judges in the court must not only be law professionals, but also very proficient in education, psychology, sociology and ethics.

Because the target of the special court is young people who are not mentally or physically mature, the judges should have a high degree of compassion, patience and understanding.

Their emphasis will be on rehabilitation, rather than punishment. Probation, counseling and performing social service will be among the measures used to reform young offenders.

(CRI October 15, 2004)