Youth Courts

Question 1

What is the Youth Court a branch of ?

Answer 1

The Magistrates Court

Question 2

What age can children not be charged with a criminal offence?

Answer 2

Under 10yrs

Question 3

What are the exceptional circumstances in which youth offenders can be tried in the CC?

Answer 3

-Cases involving
murder or 
manslaughter or 
rape or
death by dangerous driving

Question 4

What age and over can youth offenders be sent to the CC for serious offences?

Answer 4

Aged 14 and over

Question 5

What counts as a serious offence for youth offenders aged 14 and over to be sent to CC?

Answer 5

usually when an adult carries a max prison sentence of at least 14 years

Question 6

How does a Youth Court differ from a Magistrates court?

Answer 6

-Only those involved in the case are allowed into the court room

Question 7

What are the restrictions of the press in a Youth Court?

Answer 7

-The name and any information which could be used to identify them (e.g address or school) must not be published

Question 8

How old must the magistrates be in Youth Courts and what experience must they have?

Answer 8

under 65

-Special training in dealing with youth offenders

Question 9

Other than age and experience, what else is a requirement for the magistrates in dealign with a Youth Offender case?

Answer 9

Must be at least one female and one male on the bench

Question 10

What is the requirements on guardians present?

Answer 10

• under 16 must have a parent or guardian present

- Court can ask for parents of those aged 16-17 to be present