People & Politics: The Fight Against Violence: Making It Easier to Punish Juvenile Offenders (28.11.2008)

Violent young offenders often live in a parallel universe. They attack, threaten and extort without remorse. All that matters is the law of the street - which only respects the strong. That's why weapons are all part of the game. In some areas of Berlin, offenders predominantly come from immigrant backgronds. They account for some 70 percent of repeat offenders, according to police figures. One local flashpoint is the neighborhood of Neukölln. And it's here that the dedicated judge Kirsten Heisig has launched a new project. It includes a fast-track sentencing process and making parents take responsibility for their offspring.