In Re Douglas P.

CHASANOW, Judge.

Petitioner Douglas P. challenges the finding that he committed a “delinquent act” by violating Maryland’s child abuse statute. See Maryland Code (1957, 1992 Repl.Vol.), Article 27, § 35A (defining child abuse); Md.Code (1974, 1989 Repl.Vol., 1993 Cum.Supp.), Cts. & Jud.Proc. Art., § 3-801(k) (defining delinquent act). 1 Douglas argues that the child abuse statute is not applicable to juvenile offenders and, thus, a “delinquent act” cannot be based upon conduct constituting child abuse. He sets forth several arguments in support of this position and we shall address each in…