Transfer of juvenile courts to adult courts

In Hong Kong, transfer of juvenile court to adult court refers to the process of removing a young person under the age of 18 from the jurisdiction of the juvenile justice system to the jurisdiction of the adult criminal justice system. Such transfer usually occurs when the juvenile is charged with a serious criminal offense that is considered to be beyond the jurisdiction of the juvenile court, or when the court decides that the juvenile should be tried as an adult because of the nature or seriousness of the offense.

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Regarding the use of a psychiatrist in the diversion process, a mental health assessment may be considered part of the evaluation. A psychiatrist or mental health professional may be involved in evaluating a juvenile offender's mental state, competency, or any mental health condition. These assessments may provide insight into the youth's mental health status and its potential impact on his or her culpability, treatment needs, or suitability for the adult criminal justice system.