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Written question asked by Nick Timothy (Conservative) on Thursday, 21 May 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 1 June 2026. It was answered by Jake Richards (Labour) on Monday, 1 June 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.


Criminal Proceedings: Children

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, which jurisdictions and international comparators David Ormerod will look at as part of his report into the function and purpose of criminal courts for child defendants.

Answer

On 18 May 2026, the Government announced the appointment of Professor David Ormerod CBE, KC (Hon) as Expert Adviser to examine the future of criminal courts for children. This work will begin in June 2026 and is expected to report by August 2027.

The Terms of Reference for this work has been published: Future of criminal courts for children: Terms of Reference - GOV.UK. As set out in these Terms, the work will include looking at what can be learned from approaches in other jurisdictions and international comparators. It will be a matter for Professor Ormerod to determine which specific jurisdictions and international comparators in due course.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
3935
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Children Criminal proceedings Courts Witnesses
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk