Juvenile Court - Criminal Cases - Defendant

One function of the Juvenile Court is for those under the age of 17 years accused of a criminal offence which is to be heard at court.

When you are required to come to a Juvenile Court, you will have received a summons or a charge sheet, detailing what you are accused of, together with the time and date of your court appearance.

How do I get to court?

The courthouse is located on Deemsters Walk, just off Bucks Road. More information can be found here.

What do I do when I get to Court?

Please turn up to court promptly and, if possible, shortly before the time stated on the charge sheet or summons. You will need to be accompanied by an adult. This will usually be your parent or guardian.

When you arrive at the courthouse you will have to go through security. Once you have passed through security you should go to the main courthouse reception. The receptionist will tell you which courtroom your case is in and where to wait.

You may wish to see the duty advocate. There is a qualified advocate on hand to speak to you and this service is free of charge. You should tell the court usher if you do wish to speak with the duty advocate. If you have your own advocate and wish to see them, you should let the court know and they will arrange for you to see him/her.

When it is time for your case to be heard, the court usher will call your name. You and your parent or guardian will be shown to an appropriate place in court, where you will remain while your case is heard by the Magistrates.

What will I have to do in court?

Once your case begins, you will be asked to confirm your name and address. Your parent or guardian will also be asked to confirm their details.

Who will be in the courtroom?

• Magistrates (no more than 3);
• advocates (for you and the prosecution and for others appearing that day);
• media reporters (newspaper/radio etc.);
• court clerk;
• court usher;
• dock officer; and
• any other person who has been given specific permission to be present.

Although the Juvenile Court is a ‘closed court’, the press can report on matters, but usually press restrictions prevent the publication of details which would be likely to identify a juvenile appearing before the court.

What should I call the judges?

• ‘Your Worships’

• ‘sir’ or ‘madam’.

How should I behave in court?

Please switch off or silence your mobile phone or pager before coming into the courtroom. Items such as video cameras, tape recorders, radios or other electronic equipment are not allowed in the courtroom.

You must stand while addressing the judge or if they are addressing you, unless you are seated in the witness box. When you are standing, do not fold your arms across your chest or put your hands in your pockets. You must be polite at all times, never shout or use vulgar expressions or interrupt someone else while they are speaking. You must remain calm; everyone will get their turn to speak. Do not interrupt the judge; be aware if you are rude to the judge you may be charged with contempt of court.

If you wish to hand any documents to the judge you must as for permission. You must then hand them to the court clerk or usher, who will then pass them to the judge.

What happens in the courtroom?

The prosecution and defence advocates will set out their arguments. They may also call and question any witnesses that they want to.

If you wish to give your evidence, you must be sworn in, unless you are under 14. To do this you will be asked to take the oath on a Holy Book of your religion, or you can affirm (promise) to tell the truth (the court clerk will usually check will usually check with you before court which you want to do). You must read aloud from the oath/affirmation card. If you have trouble reading the card, the court usher will read it to you, with you repeating what they say.

• The defence advocate will go first;
• The prosecution advocate will then ask you any questions they wish to (cross examination);
• The defence advocate will then have the chance to ask you any further questions they may have; finally
• The Magistrates may then ask you any questions they wish.

If you have pleaded guilty, the prosecution advocate will give the facts of the case to the court. The case may need to be adjourned to another day so that a member of the Youth Justice Team can meet with you to prepare a report for the court. If a report is not needed, or has already been prepared, your advocate will then address the court giving mitigation (any excuse or reason for you committing the offence and any other relevant matters).

Once your advocate has finished speaking to the court, you, and your parent or guardian, will be asked whether there us anything you wish to say to the court.

What happens after the hearing?

If your case has been adjourned to another day, you may be granted bail, with or without conditions, or remanded to accommodation provided by the Department of Health and Social Security, or remanded to secure accommodation/custody. If you are granted bail, you must sign a bail bond before you leave court.

If your case is finally determined, you will be told of any punishment imposed and any requirements ordered by the court.

Please be aware that, under section 27(4) of the High Court Act 1991, all court proceedings are digitally recorded. For further information please refer to our In-Court Technology section.