Youth Justice

A guide to the criminal justice system in New South Wales for young people and youth workers. It helps young people, both under and over 18, to understand each stage of the process, from first contact with police through to completion of court orders.

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Youth Justice is an ongoing project of Macquarie Legal Centre. This edition was produced in partnership with Shopfront Youth Legal Centre.








Macquarie Legal Centre's Youth Justice: Your Guide to Cops and Court in New South Wales provides a practical guide for young people who come into contact with the police or the criminal justice system in NSW. Presented in a clear and jargon-free style, the book covers a broad range of topics including police interviews, police searches, the Young Offenders Act and youth justice conferences, bail, court processes, court outcomes, AVOs and dealing with unpaid fines.


Aside from helping young people understand their rights, this book is an essential resource for youth workers, youth advocates, social workers, counsellors, teachers or anyone else who works to support young people. With specially tailored sections on supporting young people through police interviews, youth justice conferences, lawyer interviews and court, Youth Justice enables workers to understand their role and suggests advocacy strategies in dealing with the police or courts.


Now in its fourth edition, the book contains updated information on topics covered in previous editions such as getting legal assistance, police powers, security guards, bail, Local and Children's Court procedure, alternatives to court proceedings, unpaid fines, and complaints about police.


There is also new material, including a comprehensive update on police powers, information about schemes such as Youth Conduct Orders and Work and Development Orders, new chapters on public transport and traffic law, and a chapter for youth workers about supporting young people through the legal process.