Youth Justice Law in England and Wales

The Sentencing Council have issued a statement on the application of the sentencing principles during the Covid-19 emergency. Lawyers representing children can properly take into account conditions in prison as a relevant factor when mitigating and applying the sentencing council guidelines to a case.

This update outlines the changes the amendments make to the Coronavirus Act and the Regulations in respect of its effect on children and young people.

The Court of Appeal identified the various ways in which mental health conditions and disorders may be relevant to sentencing. The Court also addressed particular considerations when sentencing a child for a sexual offence.

The YJB and HMCTS have published a paper which sets out principles and gives practical guidance on procedure for the use of video link in relation to proceedings involving children in police detention.

The British Psychological Society (BPS) has published new guidelines for UK psychologists conducting assessments during the Covid-19 pandemic.

A District Judge’s decision not to grant an intermediary to a 14 year old boy with learning difficulties facing trial in the youth court was quashed by the High Court, who have ordered the appointment of an intermediary for the entirety his trial.

This update outlines the amendments made to the Coronavirus Act and the Regulations and the impact on children and young people.

The Centre for Justice Innovation have released a briefing paper which highlights the significance of young people’s perception of procedural fairness in the Youth Court.