Sentencing young offenders.

Abstract

The judicial approach to sentencing young offenders has evolved as society has developed. Statutes and case law now coexist with youth sentencing guidelines in England. Beyond this, government policy, academic research, media and public perceptions have also influenced youth courts. A number of themes recur in the youth sentencing debate in terms of how much priority is to be attached to the sentencing principles and interventions. For example, to what extent should youth court sentencing reflect deterrence, punishment and the protection of the public from harm? Should it reflect (to a greater degree than at the adult level) the promotion of offender welfare through rehabilitative programs? Which sentence types (or combination of interventions) can most effectively reduce youthful reoffending? There are few easy answers to such challenging questions.