28 July 2025

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

Courts and sentencing, Young adults

Download report

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.

April 2026
Joint Enterprise: A view over time

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

September 2025
From exploited to exploiter?

This report looks at how to prevent the unjust criminalisation of victims of child criminal exploitation in the transition to adulthood.

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

This Centre for Crime and Justice Studies report looks at harsher outcomes experienced by young adults in the criminal justice system over time.