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

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.

prison, young adults

Raise the Bars: Co-producing practice guidance with Romany Gypsy and Irish Traveller people

This Friends, Families and Travellers report summarises focus groups with 57 Romany, Gypsy and Irish Traveller young adults across 20 prisons, with recommendations for reform based on their experiences.

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.

May 2026