Youth Sentencing

• What is the age of criminal responsibility in the UK?


  10
• How are offenders aged 10-17 classified in the UK?


  They are classed as young offenders.
• What does "doli incapax" mean in relation to offenders under 10?


  It means "incapable of crime."
• What is the focus of sentences available for young offenders?


  The focus is on rehabilitation and reformation.
• What can young offenders be subject to before ending up in court?


  Reprimands and warnings.
• What are the principal aims when sentencing young offenders according to the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008?


  • Prevent offending
  • Welfare of the offender
  • Purpose of sentencing:
  • Punishment
  • Reform and rehabilitation
  • Public protection
  • Reparation
• What are the four main types of sentence for young offenders?

  1. Custodial
  2. Community sentence
  3. Fine
  4. Discharges
• What is the nature of custodial sentences for young offenders?


  They are a last resort reserved for serious offences.
• Are under 18s sent to adult prisons?


  No, they are not sent to prison.
• What type of institutions are young offenders held in?

  Young Offenders Institutions, Secure Training Centres, Secure Children’s Homes.
• Who runs Young Offender Institutions?


  They are run by the prison service or private companies.
• What is the age range for offenders in Secure Training Centres?

  Up to 17 years old.
• What is the purpose of Secure Children’s Homes?


  To cater to physical, emotional, and behavioural needs.
• What are the two types of custodial sentences mentioned?

  Detention under s90/91 Powers of Criminal Courts and Detention and Training Order.
• What is the minimum tariff for a mandatory life sentence for murder offences?


  12 years.
• What is the age range for a Detention and Training Order?


  12 to 17 years old.
• What is the structure of a Detention and Training Order?


  Half in custody and half supervised in the community.
• What are the requirements included in a Youth Rehabilitation Order?


  • Activity requirement
  • Supervision requirement
  • Unpaid work requirement
  • Programme requirement
  • Attendance centre requirement
  • Prohibited activity requirement
  • Exclusion requirement
  • Residence requirement
  • Local authority residence requirement
  • Mental health treatment requirement
  • Drug treatment requirement
  • Drug testing requirement
  • Intoxicating substance requirement
  • Education requirement
  • Electronic monitoring requirement
  • Intensive supervision and surveillance requirement
  • Intensive fostering
  • Curfew requirement
• Who is responsible for fines imposed on offenders under 16?


  The responsibility falls on the parent or guardian.
• What types of discharges are available for offenders aged 10 and above?


  Both absolute and conditional discharges.
• What is the maximum number of hours for reparation orders for U18s?


  24 hours within 3 months.
• What is the purpose of a Child Safety Order for U10s?


  To supervise them for offences like breaching curfew or anti-social behaviour.
• What does a Parenting Order entail for parents of young offenders?


  It provides counselling and guidance for up to 3 months.
• What can happen if parents do not comply with a Parenting Order?


  They can be prosecuted.
• What are the key points regarding the age of criminal responsibility and young offenders in the UK?


  • Age of criminal responsibility is 10.
  • Offenders aged 10-17 are young offenders.
  • U10s are doli incapax.
  • Sentences focus on rehabilitation and reformation.
• What are the main considerations when sentencing young offenders?

  • Principal aim to prevent offending.
  • Welfare of the offender.
  • Purposes of sentencing: punishment, reform, public protection, reparation.
• What are the types of custodial sentences for young offenders?


  • Young Offender Institutions
  • Secure Training Centres
  • Secure Children’s Homes
• What are the types of sentences available for young offenders?

  • Custodial
  • Community sentence
  • Fine
  • Discharges