How is the criminal justice system applied to young people?
I can explain the rights young people have when arrested, the role of youth courts and how sentencing works in youth courts.
How is the criminal justice system applied to young people?
I can explain the rights young people have when arrested, the role of youth courts and how sentencing works in youth courts.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Young people have additional rights when arrested, like having an appropriate adult present during questioning.
- Youth courts handle cases for 10-17-year-olds; focusing on protection & rehabilitation. They have different procedures.
- When sentencing, youth courts focus on preventing reoffending and prioritising the young person’s wellbeing.
Keywords
Rights - something we are entitled to by law
Court - a formal legal institution where disputes are heard and resolved, and where justice is administered according to the law
Magistrate - ordinary people who hear less serious cases, or preliminary hearings from more serious cases in local courts; they work in criminal, family and youth courts to ensure justice is served
Sentence - the punishment that a judge or magistrate decides someone should be given after they have been convicted of a crime
Common misconception
If a young person is accused of a crime, they are treated the same as an adult in court.
Young people have some special protections in the legal system, e.g., in youth courts, the focus is on rehabilitation and making sure young people are given the support they need to avoid reoffending. They also have extra rights when arrested.
To help you plan your year 8 citizenship lesson on: How is the criminal justice system applied to young people?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 8 citizenship lesson on: How is the criminal justice system applied to young people?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 3 citizenship lessons from the What is the law and how is it changed? unit, dive into the full secondary citizenship curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
rules made by Parliament to guide how society should behave
a person who helps create and decide on new laws, such as an MP
makes laws, consists of the House of Commons, House of Lords, monarch
Exit quiz
6 Questions
handles the most serious cases, including those involving young people
a person who is with a young person during police questioning
where cases involving young offenders are heard