Criminal Law (YOUTH COURT)

YOUTH COURT

Cases involving people under 18 (in October 1992 this was raised from 17 under the provisions of the Criminal Justice Act 1991) are heard in youth courts (formerly juvenile courts). These are specialist magistrates' courts which either sit apart from other courts or are held at a different time. There are restrictions on public access and media coverage.

Where a person under 18 is charged jointly with someone of 18 or over, the case is heard in an ordinary magistrates' court or the Crown Court. If the young person is found guilty the court may transfer the case to a youth court unless satisfied that it is undesirable to do so.

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