Research has demonstrated that the biological and psychological processes of developing maturity continue into a person’s mid-20s.

Despite the majority of criminal offences that come to court being dealt with entirely in magistrates’ courts, research on the consideration of maturity as a factor in court decisions has so far been restricted to crown courts. This report addresses this gap in knowledge and offers an analysis of the current situation. The research included a survey of magistrates, a series of focus groups with magistrates, and a roundtable with other court participants.

Published in February 2021 by the Magistrates Association.