NCTJ Court Reporting Practice Exam

Which act provides a blanket ban on identification in Youth Courts?

1. Criminal Justice Act 1925

2. Children and Young Persons Act

3. Contempt of Court Act

4. The Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act

The correct answer is: Children and Young Persons Act

The Children and Young Persons Act provides a blanket ban on identifying individuals involved in proceedings in Youth Courts to protect the privacy and welfare of minors. This legislation reflects the understanding that young individuals who enter the juvenile justice system should be afforded greater protections compared to adults, acknowledging that identification can have profound impacts on their futures and social integration. This act aims to create an atmosphere that encourages rehabilitation rather than punishment, fostering an environment where young people can learn from their mistakes without the added burden of public scrutiny. The confidentiality measures established by this act are designed to support the fundamental principles of youth justice, promoting the idea that young people are still developing and deserve a chance to amend their behavior without the threat of lifelong stigma. Other acts mentioned, while relevant to the broader legal framework surrounding youth and court proceedings, do not specifically impose an absolute prohibition on identification in Youth Courts like the Children and Young Persons Act does.