Youth Justice Court

The Youth Justice Court hears and determines cases involving young people who are alleged to have committed offences while under the age of 18.

A single Magistrate hears all youth justice matters. This allows for a consistent approach and more time to deal with issues experienced by many young offenders such as alcohol and drug use, homelessness, illiteracy and education problems.

The Youth Justice Court maintains a “specialist list” of cases involving young offenders with alcohol and drug abuse, mental health problems, or any other particular problem or combination of problems where the Court might appropriately intervene.

Cases on the specialist list receive more intensive supervision by the Court and appropriate case management by the relevant agencies.

Read more about going to court as a young person.