A substantial and growing evidence base has found that young adults are a distinct group, largely because they are still maturing. Young adults face an increased risk of exposure to the criminal justice system compared to older adults and are not afforded the protections given to children, despite their distinctive needs.

This document sets out the principles that ought to be applied to young adults, typically aged 18 to 25, sentenced for any offence, in line with developments in case law, science and social studies. They have been devised in consultation with an advisory group.

Published in January 2019 by the Howard League of Penal Reform.