Turning 18

This guide deals with the impact of turning 18 on young people in the criminal justice system where they are dealt with for offences committed as a child, and where they offend during young adulthood (18 to 25).

Content Summary

Turning 18 can transform the way a young person is treated by the criminal justice system overnight. Charges, bail, venue, sentencing powers and existing youth orders may all change dramatically once adulthood is reached.

This specialist guide reveals the key legal principles, practical strategies and case law that practitioners need to protect young people at this critical stage. Discover how courts can still take account of age, maturity and welfare after 18 — and how effective advocacy can shape outcomes.

Purchase the full guide to access expert analysis, step-by-step practical advice and essential arguments for use in real cases.

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Written by Claire Mawer in collaboration with Katya Moran and Laura Cooper at the Youth Justice Legal Centre.

This guide was produced by the Youth Justice Legal Centre, part of Just for Kids Law, and funded by Barrow Cadbury Trust as part of its Transition to Adulthood (T2A) Alliance initiative.