Inexperienced lawyers have no place in the youth courts, says Lady Hale

Baroness Hale has called for consistency across the family and criminal court systems, saying that the youth court is being used as a testing ground for junior barristers.

Lady Hale made the comments at the launch of the Youth Justice Legal Centre (YJLC), which has been set up by award-winning charity Just For Kids Law to provide legally accurate information about youth justice law for children, their families, and for the profession.

The Supreme Court Justice criticised lawyers' handling of cases involving youth justice, saying: 'Most barristers who appear in the youth court are the most junior and least experienced. They are using it as a way of learning to do what they will be doing later in the adult courts. That can't be right.'

Lady Hale also commented that child defendants are often just as, if not more, vulnerable than children who are witnesses and just as in need of measures of assistance, yet they have less general support around them.

Over a year in the works, the YJLC has already provided support to nearly 150 defence lawyers, youth offending teams, youth justice professionals, and children and families in urgent need of expert advice. The organisation will also provide education and specialist training.

An example of the essential work Just for Law Kids has already undertaken, and which the YJLC hopes to build on, was Kieron, a young man who foolishly involved himself in a minor misdemeanour that put his future life and career in jeopardy.

When a friend set light to a tissue paper in a public convenience, Kieron, then 12, was charged with arson and intent to endanger life. Just For Kids Law supported Kieron (and his mum), showed that there was no intent or malice, and had the charge dropped, allowing him to continue his passion for the arts and pursue his aspiration of becoming an accountant.

The YJLC is calling lawyers acting for young people to sign up to a code of conduct. This would include being able to demonstrate expertise in youth justice law and having undergone training in how to communicate effectively with young people.

For further information visit www.yjlc.uk

Kevin Poulter is SJ's editor at large and a legal director at Bircham Dyson Bell @kevinpoulter