This guide provides practitioners with the legal knowledge and practical tools to confidently approach cases of children accused of carrying knives.
Children carrying knives is one of the most politically charged issues in youth justice. This has mostly meant stricter, more proscriptive rules, which have the potential to undermine the overall principles of a child first, individualistic youth justice system. However, there are important opportunities for flexibility that reflect the varied and complex reasons children carry knives. It is essential that practitioners are aware of these.
This guide covers:
- Key statistics and what is and isn’t effective in reducing knife crime.
- Legislation & guidance
- The key offences.
- The key defences available to children.
- The rules on out of court resolutions (OOCRs).
- Sentencing, including mandatory minimum sentences.
- Practical tips for practitioners