The Ministry of Culture and Social Rehabilitation and the Department of Consumer Affairs has released a "Youth's Guide to the Bermuda Court System".

"Unfortunate, but true, is that a certain percentage of Bermuda's youth will be forced to navigate Bermuda's legal system, many for the first time and through no fault of their own," Minister Dale Butler said as the guide was unveiled.

"They may be called forward to Family Court in order to provide their views in a family matter such as during a divorce hearing, they may be the victim of child abuse and being placed in a safer environment or they may be providing evidence in a civil or criminal case.

"For these vulnerable members of our society, it is the Government's place to guide them through Bermuda's legal system in a sensitive manner, keeping them informed at every step of the way of what their role in each legal process is, what to expect in various court settings, and who they can contact if they need assistance at any step of the way."

'A Youth's Guide to the Bermuda Court System' is an informative, illustrated booklet published in both English and Portuguese, which young people can read themselves or read with a parent, guardian or social worker.

In Bermuda's legal system, you are innocent until proven guilty, it asserts.

The guide is also designed to assist those who may be charged with traffic, drug or other offences, so that they may know their rights and responsibilities, seek legal aid when necessary, and better understand how Bermuda's laws benefit us as a society.

This guide is a practical and accessible way for youths to learn what to expect at each stage of a hearing or other legal proceeding, giving descriptions and illustrations of attorneys, magistrates, social workers and Supreme Court judges, as well as layouts of the various courts and buildings so that they will not feel intimidated or fearful of these new settings. Additionally, frequently asked questions are addressed.

"As our Police spokesperson Dwayne Caines has often pointed out to the media and the public, it is essential that witnesses step forward when crimes beset our society, and this guide offers information on the procedure of giving evidence about a crime or incident, and getting assistance and protection through Bermuda's new 'No Witness, No Justice Programme'," Mr. Butler said.

"Given the success of the Consumer Affairs' Guide to Small Claims Court, released just more than two years ago, we are assured that this new guide will be well-received, widely distributed, and actively promoted by people in the legal community who interact with youth."

Copies of this guide are available at schools, law firms, at the courts, at the library, at government offices and at the Consumer Affairs office.

The guide is free of charge and can be picked up or can be mailed. If you are interested in having it mailed to you, you can call 297-7627 or access it through www.gov.bm.