A competent authority passes a sentence when – notwithstanding any right of appeal – it makes a final decision about a child’s case and rules that the child shall be subject to certain measures.

A serious offence against a person can be a homicide, non-intentional homicide, kidnapping, rape, sexual assault or abuse, assault or an attempt to carry out any of these acts.

A serious property offence can be burglary, robbery or arson, or an attempt to carry out any of these acts. Burglary is the unlawful entry into someone else’s premises with the intention to commit a crime. Robbery is the theft of property from a person, overcoming resistance by force or the threat of force.