Just 17 - raising the age of youth justice campaign

Date: 2013 - 2016

In 2013 JustSpeak began a campaign calling for a change in the legal status of 17 year olds. At this time if a 17 year old came into conflict with the law they were treated and trialed as an adult. This campaign called for them to be shifted into the youth justice system. 

In December 2016 Cabinet finally confirmed they would include 17 year olds in the youth justice system

This campaign included: 

• Building a coalition of 35 organisations to advocate for a change

• An open letter signed by over 150 people

• A media campaign to draw attention to the issue

• A petition to Raise the Youth Justice age to 21