In Re Barajas

These are appeals from orders making three boys wards of the juvenile court, and ordering them committed to the Youth Authority. One of the boys was 13 years old and the other two were 14 years old. All three matters were heard together and the appeals are presented on one reporter’s transcript and one set of briefs, with separate clerk’s transcripts.

Each petition alleges as facts bringing the minor within the provisions of subdivision m of section 700 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, that at 11 p.m. on June 27, 1951, in company with the other minors, he assaulted the person of a girl, 15 years old, by means of force likely to produce great bodily injury. At a hearing on July 13,1951, the chief of police of Coachella, who filed the petitions, testified as to the story told to the officers by the girl, and that he had had no prior difficulty with any of the boys. When asked by the probation officer if it was his opinion that these boys could be controlled at home the court refused to let him answer, saying that this question called for a conclusion and was one for the court to decide. Briefly summarized, the boys testified that they were together and saw this girl; that two…