HERBERT R. O'CONOR, GOVERNOR. 887

will serve the child's welfare and the best interests of the
state; and when such child is removed from his own fam-
ily, to secure for him custody, care and discipline as nearly
as possible equivalent to that which should have been given
by his parents.

The principle is hereby recognized that children under
the jurisdiction of the Court are wards of the State, sub-
ject to the discipline and entitled to the protection of the
State, which may intervene to safeguard them from neglect
or injury and to enforce the legal obligations due to them
and from them.

b. To confer upon the Juvenile Court special and ex-
clusive jurisdiction, as among the several Magistrates'
Courts in Washington County, over and concerning cases
involving non-support of dependents, including children,
wives and parents, and to provide adequate means of pay-
ing over to such dependents support money ordered to be
paid by said Court and the Circuit Court for Washington
County, with the view of more adequate protection for
said dependents.

559. Construction of the Act.

This act shall be liberally construed to accomplish the
purposes herein sought.

560. The following words, as used in this act, are
hereby defined as follows:

a. When the words "the Court" are used in this act,,
they mean the Juvenile Court established by this act.

b. The word "Magistrate" means Magistrate for Juve-
nile Cases.

e. The word "child" means a person less than eighteen
years of age.

d. The word "adult" means a person eighteen years of
age or older.

e. The words "Delinquent Child" include:

A child who has violated any criminal law of this State
or any ordinance or regulation of a subdivision of the
State; or who is incorrigible, habitually disobedient or
beyond the control of his parents, guardian or other lawful
authorities; or who is growing up in idleness or crime; or
who knowingly frequents gambling places, pool parlors,
taverns or places selling alcoholic beverages unaccompanied
by parent or guardian; or who is guilty of indecent, im-
moral or lascivious conduct; or who conducts himself in a
manner injurious to the morals, health or general well
being of himself or others, or who is habitually absent
from home or school contrary to the Public General Laws,
or Public Local Laws of Maryland.