Blackstones’ Handbook of Youths in the Criminal Courts

This new edition of Blackstone’s Handbook of Youths in the Criminal Courts reflects major developments in the law and practice relating to youths in the criminal justice system. The volume has been thoroughly updated to take account of the raft of changes since the previous edition in 2018.

The book covers the entire range of issues specific to the treatment of young people in criminal courts, the principles and practice of the Youth Justice System, the issues of jurisdiction, effective participation and fair trial, the use of special measures, and the complications of sentencing procedure and practice. It updates all references to the Criminal Practice Directions to take account of the new 2023 CPD and includes all relevant developments brought about by changes in legislation such as the Sentencing Act 2020, the Criminal Procedure Rules 2020, the Judicial Review and Courts Act 2022, the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, and the introduction of a new, youth-specific sentence and allocation exception contained in the Counter-Terrorism and Sentencing Act 2021.

Its easy-to-use pocket-sized format facilitates quick reading and instant decision-making. Tables, flow-charts, and a clear system of icons aid comprehension and speedy navigation. Cross-referencing to Blackstone’s Criminal Practice provides easy access to in-depth commentary, making it a valuable companion for all those whose work involves dealing with children and young people in the criminal courts, whether regularly or occasionally.

Gareth Branston, Circuit Judge, Madistone Crown Court, Naomi Redhouse, Former District Judge, Sheffield Magistrates’ Court, Mark Ashford, Solicitor and Partner, TV Edwards

Mark Ashford is a solicitor and Partner in TV Edwards, Solicitors. He is a specialist in youth court work, a duty solicitor, and has Higher Rights of Audience. He provides specific training on youth justice matters to the profession, local authorities, and other agencies.

Gareth Branston is a Circuit Judge sitting at Maidstone Crown Court. Between 2013 and 2023, he was a District Judge (Magistrates’ Courts), sitting regularly in the youth court in East London. He has been the Judicial College Course Director for youth court serious sexual offences training and co-author of the Judicial College’s bench book on Youth Defendants in the Crown Court.

Naomi Redhouse was a District Judge (Magistrates’ Courts) sitting at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court until 2023. She was Judicial College Course Director for youth court training of district judges. Prior to appointment as a judge she was a solicitor in private practice and then a freelance specialist in the youth court and trial advocacy. She also had extensive experience of training lawyers on the youth justice system.