28 July 2025

Smaller but tougher: How the criminal justice system is processing young adults

Courts and sentencing, Young adults

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The last 15 years have seen a sharp decline in the number of young adults (18-24) going through the courts. That smaller number, however, are facing harsher outcomes.

Based on official statistics, this report draws out trends for young adults in the criminal justice system for more serious offences.

Criminal Justice, young adults
Behind the decline

This Centre for Crime and Justice Studies report looks at the shrinking young adult population within the criminal justice system who are experiencing increasingly harsher treatment.

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The report looks at two decades of data on joint enterprise, finding a disproportionate impact on young adults and persistent racial disparities.