, CMY2604 Assignment 1
Semester 2 2025
DUE 2025
Use this document as a guide and for references to answer your assignment
3.1. Case Study 1:
The Assessment of Devon Devon, a 17-year-old boy from Pretoria.
Question 1 (10 Marks)
Discuss five (5) developmental factors that must be considered when assessing
Devon’s criminal capacity and sentencing prospects, as required by the Child
Justice Act 75 of 2008. For each factor, explain why it is relevant in Devon’s case
and how it may influence the court’s decision.
Introduction
The Child Justice Act 75 of 2008 (CJA) was enacted to address children in
conflict with the law in a manner that promotes their dignity, reintegration, and
rehabilitation rather than focusing solely on punishment. When assessing a child
offender’s criminal capacity and determining an appropriate sentence, the Act
requires consideration of developmental, psychological, and environmental factors
that may have influenced the offence (CJA, s11–13). Devon’s case presents a
complex combination of emotional trauma, substance abuse, cognitive limitations,
and peer influence, all of which must be evaluated to ensure that the court’s
decision is both just and developmentally appropriate.
Definition of Developmental Factors
Developmental factors are personal and environmental conditions that influence an
individual’s growth—emotionally, cognitively, socially, and morally—over time.
In the CJA context, these factors help determine criminal capacity (the ability to
appreciate the wrongfulness of conduct and to act in accordance with that
appreciation) and sentencing suitability (Gallinetti, 2009).
Semester 2 2025
DUE 2025
Use this document as a guide and for references to answer your assignment
3.1. Case Study 1:
The Assessment of Devon Devon, a 17-year-old boy from Pretoria.
Question 1 (10 Marks)
Discuss five (5) developmental factors that must be considered when assessing
Devon’s criminal capacity and sentencing prospects, as required by the Child
Justice Act 75 of 2008. For each factor, explain why it is relevant in Devon’s case
and how it may influence the court’s decision.
Introduction
The Child Justice Act 75 of 2008 (CJA) was enacted to address children in
conflict with the law in a manner that promotes their dignity, reintegration, and
rehabilitation rather than focusing solely on punishment. When assessing a child
offender’s criminal capacity and determining an appropriate sentence, the Act
requires consideration of developmental, psychological, and environmental factors
that may have influenced the offence (CJA, s11–13). Devon’s case presents a
complex combination of emotional trauma, substance abuse, cognitive limitations,
and peer influence, all of which must be evaluated to ensure that the court’s
decision is both just and developmentally appropriate.
Definition of Developmental Factors
Developmental factors are personal and environmental conditions that influence an
individual’s growth—emotionally, cognitively, socially, and morally—over time.
In the CJA context, these factors help determine criminal capacity (the ability to
appreciate the wrongfulness of conduct and to act in accordance with that
appreciation) and sentencing suitability (Gallinetti, 2009).
