CLP 8 Youth general

Question 1

What are the aims of the youth justice system?

Answer 1

• prevent children and young people from offending
• to have regard to the welfare of the child or young person

Question 2

What is the age of criminal responsibility?

Answer 2

10

Question 3

How old are the following:

Youth/Juvenile
Young person
Child

Answer 3

Youth/Juvenile - under 18
Young person - 14 - 17
Child - 10-13

Question 4

Is there a statutory definition of a persistent youth offender?

Answer 4

No - but guilt, in relation to imprisonable offences on at least 3 occasions in the past 12 months will do it.

Question 5

Who sits in the Youth Court

Answer 5

either:

• a district judge, or
• no more than 3 magistrates

Question 6

Are the public allowed to observe in the Youth Court?

Answer 6

No - also reporting restrictions

Question 7

At what age must the court require a parent or guardian to attend at all stages of the hearing?

Answer 7

Under 16 ‘unless and to the extent that the court is satisfied that it would be unreasonable to require such attendance, having regard to the circumstances of the case’

Question 8

At what age may the court require a parent or guardian to attend at all stages of the hearing?

Answer 8

16 or 17

Question 9

What modifications may be made to court?

Answer 9

Arrange a familiarisation visit to the court

Remove wigs and gowns in the Crown Court

Refer to a child by their first name

Have a child sitting out of the dock

Have a child sitting close to an appropriate adult

Have a child sitting close to their lawyer

Arrange for regular breaks

Avoid complicated language, use clear and simple questions4

Be proactive in ensuring the child has access to support

Keep public access to a minimum

Use an intermediary to help communication

Use a live link to give evidence

Take time to explain court proceedings a child what is going on