Information About the Youth Court

What is the Youth Court?

The youth court is a separate court with specialist magistrates that deals with criminal cases involving young people. It handles most offences committed by those aged between 10 and 17 years old. Ten is the age of criminal responsibility in England and Wales, meaning children below this age cannot be charged with a crime.

The youth court operates differently from adult courts. Hearings are not open to the general public, and the proceedings are less formal to accommodate young people. The aim is to focus on the young person's welfare alongside addressing their offending behaviour.

Parents or guardians are usually required to attend court with their child. This requirement applies to all young people under 18, though it is more strictly enforced for those under 16.

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How Cases Reach the Youth Court

Not every young person who breaks the law will end up in court. The police and youth offending teams will often try to deal with minor first offences outside the court system where possible. This might involve community resolutions, youth cautions, or referral to a youth offender panel.

These out of court disposals are typically used when:

• The offence is relatively minor
• The young person admits what they did
• They have not offended before or have limited previous offending
• A court prosecution would not be in the public interest

Youth offending teams play a significant role both before and after any court action, offering interventions and support to help young people avoid reoffending.

If a young person continues to offend, commits a more serious offence, or the circumstances make court action necessary, the case will be sent to the youth court. The Crown Prosecution Service decides whether to prosecute, considering both whether there is sufficient evidence and whether prosecution serves the public interest given the young person's age and circumstances.

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When Cases Go to Other Courts

Although the youth court handles most cases involving young people, there are situations where a different court will be involved.

A young person may appear in the adult magistrates' court if they are charged alongside an adult with the same offence. The magistrates will then decide whether the young person's case should be moved to the youth court or continue alongside the adult case.

The Crown Court handles the most serious offences that exceed the youth court's sentencing capabilities. Offences like murder, certain firearms offences, and other grave crimes will be dealt with in the Crown Court, even when the defendant is under 18. The Crown Court can impose longer sentences than the youth court.

When young people are charged alongside adults whose cases are sent to the Crown Court, the court will assess whether the cases should be heard together or separately, balancing the interests of justice for all involved.

What Happens at the Youth Court

Youth court hearings are conducted by either a district judge or a panel of specially trained magistrates. These magistrates have undergone additional training to work with young people and understand the particular issues that can affect them.

Efforts are made to use language that helps the young person understand the proceedings. Legal jargon is kept to a minimum where possible, and the magistrates or judge will often speak directly to the young person rather than only to lawyers.

Reporting restrictions automatically apply to youth court cases. This means the media cannot usually publish information that would identify the young person involved, including their name, address, school, or photograph. These restrictions can only be lifted in limited circumstances.

The youth court has various sentencing options available. These include referral orders, youth rehabilitation orders, and for the most serious cases, detention and training orders. The court will consider the nature of the offence and the young person's circumstances when deciding on an appropriate outcome.

If your child has a case going to the youth court, they may be entitled to legal aid to pay for a solicitor. You can find a solicitor through the Law Society's find a solicitor service. Local youth offending teams offer support and information about the court process.

For current information on youth justice procedures and sentencing, check the official guidance on GOV.UK or contact your local youth offending team.

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