NCTJ Court Reporting Practice Exam

Which section of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 addresses anonymity for juveniles in adult courts?

1. Section 49

2. Section 42

3. Section 45

4. Section 50

The correct answer is: Section 45

The section of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 that addresses anonymity for juveniles in adult courts specifically is Section 45. This section establishes that a court must ensure that the identities of juveniles are protected in proceedings concerning them, effectively preventing the media and the public from publishing identifying information. This protective measure is in place to safeguard the welfare of young offenders and to encourage them to engage with the legal system without the fear of being publicly named and shamed. In the context of the other sections, Section 49 deals with the general anonymity for witnesses in certain circumstances, Section 42 deals with the special measures for young witnesses, and Section 50 addresses the power to make other provisions relating to the welfare of witnesses. None of these sections focus specifically on the anonymity of juveniles in adult courts like Section 45 does.