I’m under 18 and am going to court
The Youth Court is for people aged 10 to 17. It isn't as formal as adult court. You won't see the judge or lawyers in wigs or gowns. If you are there because you have been accused of something, you will sit near the judge. If you are under 16, you must have a parent or guardian with you in court. If you are aged 16 or 17, your parents must accompany you in court if they are ordered by the court to do so. If they aren't there, it will hold up the process. Your lawyer will ask you questions, and so will the lawyer for the other side. They may also question witnesses or a victim, if there is one.
If you are accused of something very serious, you may have to go to Crown Court (which is where adults are sometimes also sent). Regulators make sure that lawyers do their job properly when they go to court. For example, the Bar Standards Board (BSB) makes sure that lawyers who are barristers do their job well. The BSB and other regulators are working to make standards in Youth Court as high as possible. They want young people to get the best legal support they can.
Lawyers are working harder to make sure that young people with special needs get the right help and support when they go to court.
If you have a legal problem and don't know what to do, find out where you can get help.