Young people’s perspectives on final warnings

A recent appeal court decision prompted this special edition of the journal on diversion. This paper uniquely presented material from the perspective of young people subject to a final warning. Their stories show how they may be criminalised for actions which have no criminal intent. Whilst not denying the act young people do disagree with the interpretations placed upon it by the justice system. The article shows how police targets for offences brought to justice, the government’s ‘tough on crime’ approach, and young people’s naivety can result in a criminal record, sometimes for behaviour which is not legally an offence. http://webjcli.ncl.ac.uk/2007/issue2/hine2.html