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The Youth Court

Study note

Young people accused of crimes are dealt with differently from adults. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, a young person aged 10 to 17 who is accused of an offence is normally dealt with in a special court called a Youth Court. The hearing takes place in front of specially trained magistrates or a district judge, rather than in the adult Crown Court.

A Youth Court is more private than an ordinary court. Members of the public are not allowed in, and the young person cannot be named or photographed in newspapers or other media. This is meant to protect young people and give them a better chance to change. For the test, remember that the Youth Court deals with those aged 10 to 17, that it is closed to the public, and that the young person cannot be identified in the media.

Memory tip: Youth Court: ages 10 to 17; closed to the public; the young person cannot be named.

Practise this topic

Question 1 of 3

Which court normally deals with an accused person aged 10 to 17 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland?

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Show all questions and answers for The Youth Court(3 questions with explanations)

The Youth Court: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. Which court normally deals with an accused person aged 10 to 17 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland?

    • The Youth Court
    • The County Court
    • The Crown Court
    • The High Court

    Correct answer: The Youth Court

    Accused people aged 10 to 17 are normally dealt with in a Youth Court.

  2. 2. A Youth Court deals with accused people from what age up to 17?

    • 14
    • 10
    • 16
    • 12

    Correct answer: 10

    The Youth Court deals with young people aged 10 to 17.

  3. 3. A young person dealt with in a Youth Court can be named and photographed in newspapers.

    • True
    • False

    Correct answer: False

    False. The name or photograph of a young person in a Youth Court cannot be published.

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