Youth court procedure Flashcards
What is the principle aim of the youth justice system?
To prevent offending
What must the court have regard to to support the aim of preventing offending?
The welfare of the child or young person, take steps to remove them from undesirable surroundings and securing proper provision is made for education and training
What is the difference between young person and child?
Young person is 14-17
Child is 10-13
What is the general rule for a child charged with a criminal offence?
Should be tried in the youth court no matter the classification of the offence
Can a youth elect trial by a jury?
No, not even if charged with an indictable only offence
What are the exceptions to the rule or situations that may affect whether a youth should be tried in the youth court?
- age of the offender at the time of trial
- the offence charged
- whether they are jointly charged with an adult
What happens when the defendant is 17 when charged but turns 18 before their first appearance?
The youth court has no jurisdiction - if convicted the defendant will be subject to the full range of sentencing powers open to the adult mags
What happens if the defendant is 17 when charged and turns 18 after their first appearance but before trial?
The youth court has jurisdiction; the defendant may be tried in the youth court or remitted to the adult mags court. This is a discretion to remit.
- if the retained in the youth court they have full range of sentencing powers of adult mags
- if remitted there is no right to appeal the order of remission and if convicted the defendant subject to full powers of the adult mags
What happens if the defendant is 17 when charged and turns 18 during the trial but before the conclusion of the trial?
The youth court may deal with the case and make an order as if the defendant was still 17. Alternatively the youth court may remit the defendant for sentence in the adult mags court
What happens if a child or young person is charged with an homicide offence?
They must be sent forthwith to the Crown Court for trial without and indication of plea
What happens if a child or young person is charged with a firearms offence?
If the offence is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 3 years they must be sent forthwith to the Crown Court without indication of plea if they are 16 or over
What happens if a child or young person is charged with serious or complex fraud?
The case must be sent forthwith to the Crown Court with no indication of plea where notice is given by the prosecutor that it should be dealt with at the Crown court
When may the youth court send a youth to the Crown court without an indication of plea?
- where they have been charged with a specified offence
- the court considers them to be a dangerous offender
- a custodial term of at least 4 years would be imposed for the offence
What is a dangerous offender?
One where the court is of the opinion that there is a significant risk to the public of serious harm caused by the child or young person committing a further specified offences - significant risk is more than a mere possibility
What happens when the youth is charged with a grave crime?
The court must determine whether to retain jurisdiction or send the youth to the Crown Court for trial by conducting a plea before venue hearing