Youth Courts
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, defendants aged 10 to 17 usually have their case heard in a Youth Court. It is run by up to three specially trained magistrates, or by a District Judge. The most serious cases still go to the Crown Court.
Youth Courts have some special rules:
- The young person's parents or carers are expected to be there.
- Members of the public are not allowed in.
- Newspapers and other media must not publish the young person's name or photograph.
Scotland uses the Children's Hearings System for children and young people who have broken the law. Northern Ireland has a system of youth conferencing to decide how to deal with young people who offend.
Youth Courts start at 10 because that is the age of criminal responsibility in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Quiz
Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE? Anyone from the public can sit in a Youth Court and newspapers may print the young defendant's name.
False. Youth Courts are closed to the public, and the media cannot publish the young defendant's name or photo. The people who should be there are the child's parents or carers.