Youth justice

• For young people under 18. More focus on rehabilitation than punishment.

  Youth Justice and the Police:

  • Young people must have a responsible adult (e.g. parent or carer) present if questioned or searched.
  • If offence is minor and admitted, a caution may be given.
  • Then assessed by Youth Offending Team (YOT).
• Offenders aged under 10:

  • Not prosecuted.
  • Given a local child curfew (e.g. 9pm–6am).
  • Must be with an adult at night.
  • Helped by YOTs for support and rehabilitation.
• Youth Courts:

  • For defendants aged 10–17.
  • No jury—heard by three magistrates or a district judge.
  • Consider:
  • Age
  • Seriousness
  • Guilty plea
  • Mitigating factors
  • Previous record
  • Less formal than adult courts:
  • Defendants called by first names.
  • Public not allowed in serious cases.
  • Serious cases like murder or rape start here but go to the Crown Court.
• Sentencing:

  • Parent/guardian must attend if the child is under 16, or 16–17 if a court order requires it.
  • Sentences can include:
  • Fines
  • Community orders
  • Detention/training orders
  • Secure centre orders
  • Prison is not used unless absolutely necessary.
  • A conditional or absolute discharge can be given if the court experience is seen as punishment enough.