The criminal justice system treats children and young people differently from adults and significant weight must be attached to the age of the suspect if they are a child or young person under 18.
The Crown Court deals with the most serious criminal cases. Each case is overseen by a judge who is responsible for setting out the timetable in the case, making a judgement on any legal questions (such as whether certain types of evidence can be used) and sentencing the defendant if they are convicted.
