Who's who in the Youth Court

Magistrates

The Magistrates are people from our local community who have the job of dealing with your offence(s). Three magistrates usually sit behind a desk in the Courtroom. One of them is the chairperson and will speak for them all. Magistrates do not get paid and do not wear a wig or gown.

The Legal Advisor

The Legal Advisor is the person who sits near the magistrates and who reads out the charge and will ask you whether you admit or deny the offence. Legal Advisors support the magistrates and try to make sure the Court runs smoothly. They don’t have a say in whether you are guilty or not guilty, nor how you should be dealt with, but they will advise the Magistrates about what powers they have for dealing with you.

The Crown Prosecution Service

The Crown Prosecution Service (sometimes called CPS) presents the facts about the offence to the magistrates and may talk to you about what happened when the police arrested you.

The Youth Offending Team

Youth Offending Team (YOT) workers will be in and around the Youth Court. If you plead guilty to a charge or are found guilty by the Magistrates, then they may be asked to write a report about you, or to liaise with the YOT in the area where you live, so that they can write one. This will usually take place in the 2-3 weeks before you are sentenced.

The Court Usher

The Court Usher calls you into Court at the right time and shows you to your seat. It's very important that when you arrive at Court you let the reception desk and the Usher know that you are there, so the Magistrates will know you arrived on time.