The new measure, contained in the Crime and Security Bill, would see young people believed to be part of a gang face the prospect of a civil court process that could result in them being banned from associating with friends or wearing certain colours.
Breaching the ban would potentially lead to a custodial sentence.
John Fassenfelt, deputy chair of the Magistrates'
Association, said such a move risks damaging the youth justice system as it would mean county court judges presiding over youth justice cases.
"This would mean yet another agency in the youth justice system sentencing youngsters," he said. "County court judges haven't got the expertise or training to deal with young people."
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