
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, October 21, 1995                   TAG: 9510220018
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: LAURENCE HAMMACK
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

JUVENILE JUSTICE PANEL PLANS HEARING

A commission that is proposing sweeping changes to Virginia's juvenile justice system will hold a public hearing Tuesday night in Roanoke.

The Governor's Commission on Juvenile Justice Reform will meet at 7 p.m. in City Council chambers. The panel will present an overview of its recommendations, and invite comments from the public.

Gov. George Allen appointed the commission to study how to deal with crime by juveniles, which some say is growing out of control.

The commission has proposed mandatory adult trials for youths 14 and older charged with violent crimes, opening juvenile courts to the public, and using military-style discipline as a sentencing option.

After holding a series of public hearings around the state, the commission will make final recommendations in December for the 1996 General Assembly to consider.

by CNB