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Difference between revisions of "Young People and the Law"
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→What happens to youth who commit a crime
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The first time a young person aged 12 to 17 years does something wrong, they usually do not have to go to court. The young person may get help from a local community group. | The first time a young person aged 12 to 17 years does something wrong, they usually do not have to go to court. The young person may get help from a local community group. | ||
But maybe it's not the first time the young person has been in trouble. Or maybe it is something more serious. Maybe the young person had a weapon such as a knife or gun. Then they will have to go to youth court. | But maybe it's not the first time the young person has been in trouble. Or maybe it is something more serious. Maybe the young person had a weapon such as a knife or gun. Then they will have to go to <span class="noglossary">youth</span> court. | ||
If the judge at the court decides the young person is '''guilty''', they will be '''sentenced'''. The young person will have a youth record. | If the judge at the court decides the young person is '''guilty''', they will be '''sentenced'''. The young person will have a <span class="noglossary">youth</span> record. | ||
When deciding on a sentence, the judge might have the young person: | When deciding on a sentence, the judge might have the young person: | ||
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* go to jail if the crime is serious | * go to jail if the crime is serious | ||
If a young person over 14 years old is accused of doing something very serious, they may be sentenced as an adult and receive a tougher sentence than in youth court. Examples of very serious offences include things such as murder and repeat violent offences. | If a young person over 14 years old is accused of doing something very serious, they may be sentenced as an adult and receive a tougher sentence than in <span class="noglossary">youth</span> court. Examples of very serious offences include things such as murder and repeat violent offences. | ||
In most cases, the name of the young person who broke the law is not made public. However, in some cases it may be made public, such as when they are given an adult sentence for a serious offence. | In most cases, the name of the young person who broke the law is not made public. However, in some cases it may be made public, such as when they are given an adult sentence for a serious offence. | ||