77 STAT. ]
PUBLIC LAW 88-241-DEC. 23, 1963
The court may issue a summons, a warrant of arrest, or other process in order to secure or to compel the attendance of a necessary person, (b) Whoever, by act or omission, willfully causes, encourages, or contributes to a condition which would bring a child within the provisions of section 11-1551 or tends to cause such a condition, is guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall be fined not more than $200 or imprisoned not more than one year, or both. Upon the trial, the court may impose such sentence as the law provides, or may suspend sentence and place on probation, and by order impose upon the adult such duty as is deemed to be for the best interests of the child or other persons concerned. If an adult is charged with an offense for which he is entitled to a trial by jury, he shall be so tried unless he expressly waives his right to jury trial. § 16-2315. F i n a l i t y of j u d g m e n t s Except as provided by sections 11-741 (a)(3), 11-741 (b), 17-305 (a), 17-306 and 17-307(a), in all cases tried before the court pursuant to this subchapter, the judgment of the court is final. § 16-2316. Construction and purpose Sections 11-1551 to 11-1554, section 11-1583 (a)(1) and (a)(3), section 11-1584, section 11-1586 (a) - (d), and this subchapter shall be liberally construed so that, with respect to each child coming under the court's jurisdiction: (1) the child shall receive such care and guidance, preferably in his own home, as will serve his welfare and the best interests of the District; and (2) the child's family ties shall be conserved and strengthened whenever possible, and, except when his welfare or the safety and protection of the public can not be adequately safeguarded without his removal, he may not be removed from the custody of his parents; and (3) when the child is removed from his own family, the court shall secure for him custody, care, and discipline as nearly as possible equivalent to that which should have been given him by his parents. Subchapter II — P a t e r n i t y Proceedings §16-2341. Definitions As used in this subchapter: •'Corporation Counsel" has the meaning prescribed by section 11-1583 (b). "Director of Public Health" means the Board of Commissioners of the District of Columbia or the officer or agency designated by the Board to have jurisdiction of, control, direct, and supervise, matters relating to public health and vital statistics in the District; and "Metropolitan Police Department" means the Board of Commissioners of the District of Columbia or the agency designated by the Board to serve as the law enforcement agency for the District. §16-2342. Party plaintiff; information Proceedings pursuant to section 11-1555 and this subchapter shall be instituted in the Juvenile Court of the District of Columbia in the name of the District of Columbia, and prosecution upon information shall be by the Corporation Counsel for the District of Columbia or his assistants. § 16-2343. Time of bringing complaint Proceedings to establish paternity and provide for the support of a child born out of wedlock may be instituted after four months of
591
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