What types of offenses are generally handled in Youth Court?

Youth Court typically focuses on handling less serious offenses committed by minors. This includes minor offenses such as petty theft and vandalism, which are often associated with the developmental stage of adolescence. The goal of Youth Court is to provide a rehabilitative approach rather than punitive measures, aiming to educate the youth about the consequences of their actions while keeping them engaged in their community.

Severe violent crimes, traffic violations, and federal crimes are usually outside the jurisdiction of Youth Court. Violent crimes may lead to more serious legal ramifications and often move to the adult criminal system due to the severity of the offenses. Traffic violations are generally managed through specialized traffic courts or municipal courts, as they do not fall under the category of offenses that Youth Court is designed to address. Similarly, federal crimes are prosecuted at the federal level and not handled in local Youth Courts. Thus, the focus of Youth Court is on minor offenses, which aligns with the developmental goals of rehabilitation and prevention.