What is a youth court?
A type of magistrates court that only deals with offences committed by young people. If a young person is asked to appear at a Crown Court, it is much more serious and families should consult a solicitor immediately.
Youth courts are held in our local magistrates courthouse (the address is on the papers you are given). When you arrive, report to the usher and they will tell you what to do.
What are the courtrooms like?
Youth courts try to use smaller rooms, but otherwise they look like the courts you see on television. The magistrates sit at a raised table and all the people involved in the case sit in front of them. If you want to see the courtroom before your case, this can be arranged by contacting the court office.
- Magistrates - unpaid members of the local community, youth magistrates are specially trained
- Legal advisor - manages the hearing and advises the magistrates
- Prosecutor - explains the police version of what happened
- Your solicitor - explains your version of what happened
- YOT court officer - there to support and advise, and you can ask for their help at any time
- Public - not allowed to youth hearings
- Media - they can come and report general details but can't identify you
How should I behave in court?
Arrive on time, dress smartly, arrange for a solicitor, think about what you want to say and say it politely and calmly.
Do not act as though you don't care, get angry or upset, interrupt or argue in court or come without your parent or carer.
How do I get a solicitor?
You are entitled to legal advice. You should arrange this even if you are pleading guilty. Many solicitors can give free or reduced-rate help under Legal Aid. Look for details in the Yellow Pages or ask to speak to the duty solicitor at court.
Advice for parents and carers
You must go with your child to court and you usually have to pay their fines or compensation. Sometimes it will seem as if everyone is blaming you, but the court is genuinely sympathetic to any parent who is doing their best.
Court reports
A Judge or magistrate can ask for a court report to get information and advice to help them decide what they should do about your offending. There are several types of court reports:
- If the offences are serious or the court is considering a heavy punishment, they will usually adjourn your case so that a detailed report can be prepared.
- If this is your first time in court or the offences aren't too serious a brief written report or even a verbal one may be enough.
Most court reports will include:
- Details of your offence/s and the harm caused to others
- Your home and family life and your attitude to the offence/s
- Your education or employment, and other background information
- The risk of further offending, and a proposed sentence
- Parental responsibility for your behaviour and for any fines
Court reports for young people are provided by staff from the YOT who are specially trained to do this. The YOT worker will always interview you and talk to your parents if you are under 17. It's very important that you be honest and sensible about this, as your attitude to the offences will affect your sentence.
They will also see the evidence against you, including your police interview/s and details of any previous offences. Depending on how serious the case, other professionals who know you, such as social workers, youth leaders and teachers, may be asked to contribute.
Who sees the report?
All the officials and court staff involved in your hearing can see the report. You and your parents can also read it with your solicitor before the hearing. Afterwards it will be kept on file, but only officials will be allowed to see it. Reports are never shown to the public, the media or victims.
What if I don’t agree with the report?
If the report is factually wrong or you think it is unfair, you can say so during the hearing. You can also make a complaint.
Parental responsibility
Parents are expected to take proper care that their children don't get into trouble. When young people offend, courts must decide how much of the responsibility belongs with the parents. Parents often have to pay fines and compensation, and sometimes could also be placed under a 'Parenting Order' if they won't accept voluntary help.
Remand management
When young people appear in court, their case sometimes has to be postponed to a later date. They are usually bailed but if the court is worried how they'll behave then there are other options.
Young people can be remanded to Council accommodation. This means they become 'looked after' by social workers, who make arrangements for them to live in a safe place until the next court date. It doesn't always mean they'll have to leave their family. The Council always tries to support them at home first.
If the court thinks the young person is a danger to themselves or others, or is likely to commit more crime, they can order they are remanded to either to a young offender's institute (YOI) or to a local authority secure children's home (LASCH). This means being locked-up, a long way from home and it is a last resort.
YOT staff will talk to the secure establishment about the young person's welfare and needs, and make sure that their families are helped to stay in touch. They will sometimes help the young person's solicitor to appeal the remand (asking a more senior judge to overturn it). Plymouth YOT has a Bail and Remand Management Officer who has special responsibility for this work.