What is the age range typically considered for Youth Court jurisdiction?

The age range typically considered for Youth Court jurisdiction is between 10 to 18 years. This range is established to recognize that young people in this bracket are often still undergoing significant development and are more susceptible to rehabilitation compared to older individuals. Youth courts focus on addressing the behavior of juveniles seen as needing guidance and support, rather than punishment, which aligns with the understanding of youth development and the potential for change.

This age bracket also resonates with many legal systems that categorize individuals under 18 years as minors, thus offering them different legal processes and protections compared to adults. This distinction arises from the belief that younger individuals may not fully grasp the consequences of their actions or have the same level of maturity and decision-making abilities as adults.

In contrast, the other age ranges provided do not align with the typical legal definitions and boundaries set for youth courts. For instance, starting the range at 5 years is generally too low, as most jurisdictions do not involve very young children in criminal justice proceedings, while ending the range at ages older than 18 signifies a transition into adulthood that is often beyond the purview of youth court systems.