Course description
Overview
Youth justice is a complex and fast paced area with Youth Courts now retaining jurisdiction of an increasing number of serious cases where young people are involved. Both the SRA and the Bar Council have emphasised the need for those appearing in the Youth Court to be aware of the current procedures and provisions in criminal law that relate specifically to Young Offenders.
Who is this for?
- Trainee solicitors who are approaching qualification
- Pupil barristers
- Solicitors
- Barristers
What will you learn?
The following are all areas identified by the SRA as requiring emphasis:
- The differences between Children and Young People in criminal proceedings and Adults in criminal proceedings
- The range of adaptions available to enable a Young Person or Child to participate in Court hearings
- Non-court disposals
- Key Youth Court case-law, legislation and guidance concerning allocation of cases in the Youth Court and in the Magistrates' Court and in the Crown Court
- The relevant bail and remand legislative framework including remand to Youth Detention and Local Authority Accommodation
- The range of available sentencing options and relevant guidance including Referral Order Guidance and the Overarching Principles of Sentencing Children and Young People, the latter being published by the Sentencing Council
- The Sentencing Act 2020 (or Code if you prefer!) – those extracts of particular relevance when dealing with Children or Young People
There will be a case study which we shall deal with during the presentation which will tie together many of the aspects of the course.
How does the course help your career?
- Barristers undertaking or wishing to undertake Youth Court work must ensure they have taken steps to meet certain competences - this includes possessing knowledge and understanding of the key concepts of criminal and youth justice law and procedure. This course will assist in the development of such competency.
- Solicitors should regularly review their knowledge to see if it is up to date and address any learning and development needs identified and keep a record of the process. This course will assist with this requirement.
PSC Elective
This course may be taken as a PSC elective, although it may also be attended by non-trainees.
SRA Competence
A, B and C
Format
This is a one-day course, with face-to-face dates running for the full day, and online live dates running over two subsequent mornings.
Other related courses
Advising at the Police Station - Core Knowledge & Skills
Criminal Advocacy - Bail & Mitigation
Criminal Advocacy - Magistrates' Court Trials
Essential Criminal Law
Practice & Procedure In The Magistrates' Court
Road Traffic Law - A Practical Guide
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Upcoming start dates
Suitability - Who should attend?
This course will be of immense benefit to anyone undertaking advocacy in the youth court.
Training Course Content
By the end of this course you will be able to:Make representations (whether prosecution or defence) on the proposed venue for a serious and grave crimeMake representations (whether prosecution or defence) on whether the youth should be bailed or remanded into youth detention accommodationAddress the court and deal effectively with all of the case management issues once a not guilty plea has been enteredMake an application for an adjournmentDeal with the issue of whether or not the youth is or is not a ‘persistent offender’ in lawPresent a plea in mitigation in the youth courtAddress the court on all of the various disposals available to it when dealing with the youthUnderstand and appreciate the crucial importance of age when addressing the courtAddress the magistrates’ in open court on the above issues, if you are their legal adviser