Can the name or photograph of a young person be published in newspapers after being found guilty in the Youth Court?
The Youth Court system in the UK is specifically designed to deal with young offenders, those typically aged 10 to 17. A key principle behind this system is rehabilitation, aiming to help young people turn their lives around rather than simply punishing them. To support this, the Youth Court operates with a high degree of privacy. Publishing the names or photographs of young people found guilty could have a devastating impact on their future prospects, making it harder for them to reintegrate into society and find employment. This protection is enshrined in law to prevent stigmatization and encourage positive development. So, while transparency is important in the adult court system, the Youth Court prioritizes the well-being and future of young offenders, meaning their identities are generally protected from public disclosure. It's easy to think that all court proceedings are public, but the Youth Court is a notable exception.
The Youth Court protects young people's privacy; their names and photos are not published.