(Time for a Fresh Start, the report of the Independent Commission on Youth Crime and Antisocial Behaviour.)
This well-received report bases its principles on restoration, prevention and integration - the very same principles that apply to youth-led courts. They're popular in the US, where they deal with young people, aged 10 to 18, who have been cited for low-level offences, such as vandalism, fare evasion, minor assaults and truancy. Youth court members, aged 14 to 18, are trained to serve as jurors, judges and attorneys. The aim is to use positive peer pressure to ensure that young people who have committed minor offences pay back the community and receive the help they need to avoid further involvement in the criminal justice system.
In the UK, a peer panel was established in Preston for a three-year trial scheme. Young people had to accept guilt and volunteer to attend. Apart from an adult co-ordinator, the entire process and all roles (usher, advocates, senior advocates) were run by trained young people. Youth and adult volunteers were also involved.
Practices behind youth-led courts can vary considerably but in general they support the principles of peer judgment, involving the local community, restorative justice, being local, being speedy in deciding outcomes and inspiring local volunteering. They aim to train and include those who have been in trouble and, compared to the traditional approach, they're cheap.
All of which is a good fit with the government's evolving agenda around the big society. The jury is still out on the Preston trial, but it would seem that youth courts are an idea whose time has arrived. I put it to you that we should explore their role and place more fully.
Graham Fletcher can be contacted on grahamf@nya.org.uk
