In 2016, Queensland introduced changes to mental health legislation, providing additional powers to Magistrates in relation to soundness of mind and fitness for trial. This article explores the application of fitness for trial to young people in the Magistrate’s Court. It begins with a discussion of fitness for trial broadly, exploring issues with the current legal test, and discusses the unique application of the test in Queensland. By highlighting the inherent vulnerabilities of young people involved in the legal system, we identify the gaps and challenges of assessing fitness for trial with this population. In conclusion we recommend further exploration of alternative models for resolving questions of fitness for trial for young people involved in the criminal justice system.

2016 年，昆士兰州对精神健康立法进行了修改，为治安法官提供了与精神健全和适合受审有关的额外权力。本文探讨了在治安法庭中适用受审的适用性。它首先广泛讨论适合审判，探讨当前法律测试的问题，并讨论该测试在昆士兰的独特应用。通过强调参与法律体系的年轻人的固有脆弱性，我们确定了评估该人群是否适合审判的差距和挑战。总之，我们建议进一步探索替代模式，以解决参与刑事司法系统的年轻人是否适合受审的问题。