Publications

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.