Is Diversion from Prosecution in the Best Interest of the Child or in the Best Interest of the Justice System? A Critical Examination of Diversion Programmes of available at Windhoek Magistrate's Court

Diversion is grounded in labelling theory and restorative justice. The dissertation examined the diversion programme, its philosophy, its decision making process and its potential net-widening effect. conflicting ideas about welfare and justice principles are addressed.It is argued that these ideals can complement each other and contribute to a juvenile justice system that stresses healing instead of punishing.

Dissertation submitted for MSc in Criminal Justice Studies, University of Leicester, U.K., Scarmann Centre for the Study of Public Order, Criminal Justice Studies (Roger Burke); 1998 abgeschlossen.