Young Offender Institution in United Kingdom

Definition of Detention in A Young Offender Institution

In accordance with the work A Dictionary of Law, this is a description of Detention in A Young Offender Institution : A custodial sentence that may be passed on a person aged 15 or over but under 21 (See juvenile offender). It combines the former detention centre orders (against male offenders aged 14 to 20) and youth custody sentences (for males and females aged 15 to 20). The offence must be so serious, by itself or with another offence, that detention is the only justifiable outcome; alternatively it must be a violent or sexual offence and detention in such an institution is the only way of protecting the public from further injury or death. The court may consider *mitigation and impose a noncustodial sentence.

The minimum detention period is 21 days and the maximum period is 24 months. Other custodial sentences include custody for life and secure training orders.