Sentencing and youth justice

If someone is found guilty, the court must decide what happens next. What is a sentence for?

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Purposes of sentencing

In England and Wales, courts sentencing adults must consider five purposes:
punishment;
reducing crime, including deterrence (putting people off);
reform and rehabilitation (helping offenders change);
protecting the public;
and reparation (making amends to victims or the community).

Types of sentence

Sentences range from less to more serious:
SentenceWhat it means
DischargeNo immediate punishment, sometimes with conditions
FinePaying money to the court
Community orderRequirements such as unpaid work, a curfew or treatment
Suspended sentenceA prison sentence that is not served unless the person reoffends or breaks conditions
Custody (prison)Being locked up, for the most serious crimes

Youth justice

The main aim of the youth justice system in England and Wales is to prevent offending by children and young people.
Young people are more often given orders that focus on changing behaviour, such as a referral order, where they agree a plan with a youth panel.
Restorative justice brings offenders and victims together (if the victim wants to) so the offender understands the harm and can make amends.
A criminal record can affect future jobs and travel, so staying out of trouble really matters.
Worked example

A 15 year old has damaged a community garden. Suggest a sentence aim that fits youth justice, and how it could be met.

  1. The main aim of youth justice is to prevent reoffending.
  2. Reparation and rehabilitation fit well: making amends and changing behaviour.
  3. For example, a referral order where the young person helps repair the garden and meets the volunteers affected (restorative justice).

Answer: Prevent reoffending through reparation: for example, helping to repair the garden and meeting those affected.

Key idea

Sentencing has five purposes: punishment, reducing crime (including deterrence), rehabilitation, protecting the public and reparation. Sentences include discharges, fines, community orders, suspended sentences and custody. Youth justice aims to prevent offending.

Key words
Deterrence
Putting people off committing crime, one purpose of sentencing.
Rehabilitation
Helping an offender to change so they do not commit crime again.
Reparation
Making amends to a victim or the community for harm caused.
Community
A group of people who share something, such as a place, a faith or an interest.

All KS3 Citizenship key terms and definitions →

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Extra practice

2 more questions

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  1. A judge gives a tough sentence to warn others not to commit the same crime. Which aim is this?

    1. Rehabilitation
    2. Reparation
    3. Protection of the public
    4. Deterrence
    Show the answer

    Answer: Deterrence

    Deterrence aims to put people off crime.

  2. An offender is given a training course so they can find work and stop offending. Which aim is this?

    1. Deterrence
    2. Reparation
    3. Retribution
    4. Rehabilitation
    Show the answer

    Answer: Rehabilitation

    Rehabilitation helps an offender change.

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Sources and references

Checked by the GCSE-ready editorial team, 16 October 2026. Last updated 2 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us and we will fix it.

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