The Youth Justice System (AQA GCSE Citizenship Studies): Revision Note
Exam code: 8100
Youth justice
The criminal justice system treats children and young people differently to adults
Children between the ages of 10 and 17 can be arrested and appear in court
However, their identity cannot usually be disclosed outside of court
Reporting restrictions include not revealing names, home addresses or the school of the accused; photographs are not to be taken
In 2023, 59,045 children were arrested, 16,589 appeared in court and 5,014 received a caution
In 2023, 11,911 were sentenced, of whom 8,306 were given community sentences, 544 were given a custodial sentence and 3,061 given other court sentences
What happens in a Youth Court hearing
It is like a magistrates' court hearing but is usually less formal
E.g., defendants are called by their first names
The case is heard by three local magistrates or a district judge
If the accused is under 16, their parents, guardian or carer must attend court
The hearing follows the same procedures as a magistrates' court regarding the presentation of evidence
If the accused admits the offence, they can be given a caution
Other sentences can include community service, training orders or detention, which are served in secure centres for young people
Serious cases are transferred to the Crown Court
Youth Offending Teams and the Youth Justice Board
Youth Offending Teams (YOTs) are locally based groups who work with young people who are in trouble with the law
They get involved with young people who
Get into trouble with the police or are arrested
Are charged with a crime and have to go to court
Are convicted of a crime and given a sentence
The Youth Justice Board is the public body responsible for the oversight of the youth justice system
Its three key priorities are
Support improvements to youth justice services in local communities
Address persistent racial disparities across the youth justice system
Influence the development of policy and practice
Examiner Tips and Tricks
When answering questions on youth justice, focus on difference, not detail
Examiners reward answers that clearly explain how young people are treated differently from adults, such as anonymity, youth courts and the role of Youth Offending Teams
Case Study
Ten-year olds in the dock
Crime and sentence
In 1993, a two-year-old boy was abducted from a shopping centre, then tortured and murdered by two 10 year old boys
The two boys were arrested and tried in an adult court and found guilty of abduction and murder
They were sentenced to be ‘detained at Her Majesty’s pleasure’ - an indefinite sentence
Further developments
After 8 years, both were released on a lifetime licence and given new identities
One of the boys was returned to prison after several breaches of his licence
In December 2023 he was refused parole, as it was believed he still posed a danger to children
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