Evaluation of the Airdrie Sheriff Youth Court Pilot

Published: February 2009

A pilot Youth Court was introduced at Airdrie Sheriff Court in June 2004. Its objectives are to:

  • reduce the frequency and seriousness of re-offending by 16 and 17 year old offenders, particularly persistent offenders (and some 15 year olds who are referred to the court);
  • promote the social inclusion, citizenship and personal responsibility of these young offenders while maximising their potential;
  • establish fast track procedures for those young persons appearing before the Youth Court;
  • enhance community safety, by reducing the harm caused to individual victims of crime and providing respite to those communities which are experiencing high levels of crime; and
  • test the viability and usefulness of a Youth Court using existing legislation and to demonstrate whether legislative and practical improvements might be appropriate.

Authors / Editors

Prof Laura Piacentini

University of Strathclyde

Prof Margaret Malloch

University of Stirling

Prof Gill McIvor

University of Stirling

Research Themes

Young People and Youth Justice

Criminal Justice Process and Institutions