YOUTH OFFENDING MATTERS

Question 1

What is the primary aim of the youth court?

Answer 1

To prevent reoffending .

Question 2

Which venue is automatically considered the ‘proper venue’ to hear trial of youths?

Answer 2

Youth court.

No jury. Magistrates or DJ, focus on working with young people and their families to prevent reoffending.

Question 3

When a youth be sent to the adult court to be tried?

Answer 3

1. When the youth is on trail for a grave offence.
2. When the youth is jointly charged with an adult.

Question 4

When deciding if the youth court should hear a matter, what 3 factors should be key considerations?

Answer 4

1. Will separate trails cause injustice to witnesses or the case as a whole?
2. The younger the youth, the greater the argument for the youth to be heard in the youth court.
3. The alleged culpability of the youth compared to the adult - when the youth played a minor part in the crime.

Question 5

Under which legislation does the court have general power to limit the youth to the adult court for sentencing?

Answer 5

s 3B Powers of Criminal Courts Act 2000