Advocacy in the Youth Court | Law Society
Summary
The Law Society has published new guidance on advocacy in the Youth Court. Within this guidance, the Law Society has recommended the YJLC Legal Guides to all solicitors representing children and young people in contact with the Youth Justice System.
Details
The Law Society has published its new guidance on advocacy in the Youth Court. The guidance should be read alongside the Youth Justice Charter which was published by Ministry of Justice last month.
The Law Society guidance makes clear that lawyers who represent children and young people in the Youth Court require specialist skills, knowledge and expertise and highlights the 2023 research conducted by the YJLC and Institute for Crime and Justice Policy Research on the quality of legal representation in the Youth Justice System.
The guidance provides helpful tips for lawyers working with children and young people in contact with the Youth Justice System. It focuses on building positive relationships with children and young people, ensuring their effective participation and understanding, obtaining sufficient background information and key areas of legal knowledge. The guidance also provides a list of key resources including the YJLC Legal Guides.
Commentary
The Law Society has once again recognised the importance of children and young people being represented by specialist Youth Justice Lawyers. Representing children and young people effectively requires more than legal knowledge. It is positive to see the Law Society emphasising the importance of building positive working relationships with children and young people, obtaining background information and the skills needed to ensure their effective participation and understanding.
The YJLC provides an extensive range of invaluable resources for professionals working with children and young people in contact with the Youth Justice System. This includes a series of detailed Legal Guides prepared by Youth Specialist Lawyers, an advice line, training and events for youth justice professionals and lawyers as well as a membership programme which provides an opportunity for professionals working with children and young people in contact with the Youth Justice System to improve their knowledge and skills.
Written by
Sabrina Neves, Solicitor at GT Stewart Solicitors