A young defendant aged between 10 and 17 will be dealt with in the youth courts. Young defendants that are aged between 10 and 13 are classified as children and 14 – 17 year olds are termed as young persons, or juveniles. 

Under 10s 

Children under the age of 10 are viewed as being below the age of criminal responsibility and will not be taken to court. Instead they may become the subject of civil care or supervision proceedings such as child safety or child curfew orders or made a ward of court. If the child or young person commits an offence that would warrant a sentence of 14 years or more had they been tried as an adult then the case will be heard at the Crown Court. 

Youth Courts 

Youth Courts are part of the Magistrates Courts and are used to hear cases of those who aged 11-18 years old. Magistrates serving in a Youth Court will have had specific training to enable them to deal with young people effectively. This will include using language that is easier for young people to understand. Youth Courts are usually laid out differently to adult courts being smaller and less formal. Only the child’s parent or guardian will be allowed in the court to accompany the child, the general public are not permitted in the court room. If the child or young person is under the age of 16 then their parent or carer must be in attendance. 

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