CHAPTER 121

AN ACT to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered
16-172.42:1, prescribing the powers of certain courts in cases involv-
ing juvenile offenders; to amend and reenact § 16-172.48, as amended,
of the Code of Virginia, so as to authorize trial of certain juvenile
offenders as though they were adults. CH 141]

Approved February 24, 1956

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia be amended by adding a section numbered
16-172.42:1, and that § 16-172.48, as amended, of the Code of Virginia,
be amended and reenacted as follows:

§ 16-172.42:1. In the hearing and disposition of cases properly be-
fore a court of record having criminal jurisdiction of such offenses if
committed by an adult the court may sentence or commit the juvenile
offender in accordance with the criminal laws of this State or may in its
discretion deal with the juvenile in the manner prescribed in this law for
the hearing and disposition of cases in the juvenile court.

§ 16-172.43. If a child fourteen years of age or over is charged with
an offense which, if committed by an adult, would be a misdemeanor, and
the court deems that * such child * cannot be adequately controlled or
induced to lead a correct life by use of the various disciplinary and cor-
rective measures available to the court under this law, then the court may,
in such cases * try such child and impose the penalties which are author-
tzed to be imposed on adults for such violations.

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