ABSTRACT
Youth justice is an umbrella term describing the intervention of the police, welfare agencies and courts seeking to control and reform children (10–13 years) and young persons (14–17) who commit criminal offences. When the Labour government came to power in 1997, reform of the youth justice system was a clear policy priority. The principal aim of the youth justice system, and the duty of all persons carrying out functions in relation to the system, is 'to prevent offending by children and young persons'. The primary responsibility for the provision of youth justice services rests with local authorities, working within policy imperatives set by the Youth Justice Board (YJB). The procedure for trial and sentencing in the youth court is very similar to that for adult defendants, with additional rules regarding time limits and the explanations that have to be given to defendants and their parents.
