Arquivo / 49ª mostra

The relationship between youngsters under 18 and the law - poor girls and boys - from the time of their imprisonment until the trial - for theft, traffic and/or homicide. As it is unlawful to identify minors, the roles are played by non-delinquent youngsters living in similar social conditions. All of the remaining characters are real : judges, prosecutors, advocates, family members, and agents from DEGASE : General Department for Socio-Educational Action. The filming followed along with hearings at the Rio de Janeiro II Court of Justice, with visits to the Padre Severino Institute, where the delinquent youngsters are confined. Spectators are led, at the time of judgment, to take apart easy opinions concerning the issue of under-age delinquents.