Youth CourtBy: Andrea Johnson, Kayla Lubin,

Ann Isabelle, Ashley Easley, Cedric Pierre-Louis

Facts & Statistics o 53% of youth court programs require

respondents to participate in jury duty, at

least once as part of their sentence.

o The average amount of training that most

youth court volunteers receive is 10 hours.

o 55% of youth courts close their hearing to

the general public.

o 30% of youth courts hold hearings at least

once a month.

o 70 % of youth courts hold hearings all year

long vs. 28% of programs that operate during

the school year only.

o The average reported annual budget for a

youth court program is approximately

$32,767.

Extended Informationo Youth courts are less formal than adult

courts

o members of the public are not allowed in

to the court (unless they get permission)

o you are called by your first name

Types of cases a youth court deals with

o A youth court deals with cases like:

o theft and burglary

o anti-social behavior

o drugs offences

o For serious crimes, like murder or rape,

the case starts in the youth court but will

be passed to a Crown Court.

Youth Court Case

A Debenhams town store was looted by a gang in August 2011.

The gang consisted of about 20 to 30 youths who robbed and

trashed the store. The damage was worth about £6,500. A

young 11 year old boy from that group appeared at the

Highbury Corner Youth Court. He was the youngest one of

them and was charged for burglary and violent acts.

Right to BailA juvenile has a general right to bail.

o As for adults, the main reasons for refusing bail are that

the defendant is accused of an imprison able offence

and there are substantial grounds for believing that the

defendant:

o will abscond;

o will commit further offences whilst on bail; or will

interfere with witnesses.[

o The court may also refuse bail for the juvenile's own

protection or welfare or for a limited number of other

reasons.

o A juvenile's parent may be asked to act as a surety for

up to £50 for the juvenile's attendance at court.

SentencesDetention/ Training Ordero Given only to 12 to 17 year oldso Lasts from 4 months to 2 yearso Defendant spends first part of

sentence in custody and second part in community service

o Failure to follow any issued orders may result in imprisonment or eternal supervision.

Types of Offenses Violent /Sexual Crimeo extended sentenceo Long time in custody followed by

long time under supervisionMurdero Minimum time in custody followed

by lifetime supervisiono Defendant is not allowed to apply

for paroleArmed Robbery/ Rapeo Life imprisonment