The Jersey Youth Criminal Justice System

Age of Criminal Responsibility

• No person under the age of 10 years can be guilty of an offence Criminal Justice (Young Offenders) (Jersey) Law 2014.
• Under the Criminal Justice (Young Offenders) (Jersey) Law 2014 the Youth Court may order a parent or person’s guardian to give security for the person’s good behaviour

Court appearance

Youth Court

Young people aged between 10 and 17 year may be required to attend the Youth Court.  The Youth Court sits at the Magistrate’s Court, Union Street, St Helier.  The Youth Court is formed by the Magistrate sitting with two members drawn from the Youth Court Panel. A child-friendly style is adopted by the Youth Court which delivers appropriate formality with sensitivity. The approach to language, the courtroom setting and inclusivity are key. Youth Court sittings are not open to the public to attend.

Legal representation by an Advocate is available under the Legal Aid scheme for young people who are required to attend the Youth Court.  See www.legalaid.je  for application information.

If a Defendant is found guilty at trial, or pleads guilty, the Youth Court has the same sentencing options available to it as the Magistrate’s Court.  However, sentences imposed are lighter in the Youth Court and far more than with adults, the approach is individualistic with penalties designed to support the child and deter reoffending.  Where the penalty for an offence exceeds the jurisdiction of the Youth Court, the matter is sent to the Royal Court; this is rare.

Youth Detention

The Youth Court explores every avenue prior to a sentence of youth detention being given; youth detention is only given as a “measure of last resort” where a non-custodial sentence cannot be justified.  The Court has a statutory obligation to consider all sentencing options available and only impose a sentence of youth detention where there is no other appropriate method of dealing with a child. The maximum sentence which can be imposed is 12 months Youth Detention.

Parish Hall Enquiry

Most young people under 18 years who are charged with a criminal offence attend a Parish Hall Enquiry. Only where the alleged offence(s) are too serious for the sanctions of the Police or Parishes are matters sent to the Youth Court.