Youth Justice PDF Print E-mail

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If you are under 10, the law says that nothing you do can be a criminal offence. Be careful, though, because the Council can still take you into care if you behave badly, even though you cannot be punished by the criminal courts.

Aged 10 to 17?

If you are at least 10 but under 18, and charged with a criminal offence, your case will be dealt with in the Youth Court, unless either:
  • the offence is very serious indeed (murder, manslaughter or rape), or
  • you and someone aged at least 18 are charged together.

The Youth Court is a special kind of magistrates' court, where the procedure is supposed to be less intimidating and the public are not allowed in as spectators. Cases are heard by magistrates or a district judge.

Sentencing in the Youth Court

Penalties in the Youth Court are usually less severe than in an adult court, and can include orders for training or supervision which are meant to put you off a life of crime. However, the Youth Court can send you to the Crown Court for sentencing if the judge or magistrates believe you deserve a greater penalty than they have power to impose
 

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