How is the criminal justice system applied to young people?
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain the rights young people have when arrested, the role of youth courts and how sentencing works in youth courts.
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.
Teacher tip
Consider using real-life case studies or scenarios involving young people in the justice system. This will make the concepts more relatable and encourage critical thinking about fairness and the role of the law.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the word to its correct definition.
Q2.Which of the following is a way citizens can influence lawmakers?
Q3.What must happen for a bill to become an Act of Parliament?
Q4.Which of the following is an example of a citizen helping to change the law?
Q5.Complete this sentence: The final stage a bill must go through before becoming an Act of Parliament is ...
Q6.What is a bill in the UK lawmaking process?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the words with the correct definitions.
Q2.Who is this describing? Ordinary people who hear less serious cases in local courts; they work in criminal, family and youth courts to ensure justice is served.
Q3.Which statement is accurate? Young people are treated differently in the justice system because ...
Q4.Which of the following is not a factor that youth courts consider when deciding on a sentence?
Q5.If a young person has been accused of murder who would hear the case?
Q6.Which right does a young person have when arrested that is different from an adult?
To help you plan your 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 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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