(This note is not part of the Rules)
These Rules make provision for proceedings in youth courts in relation to applications for injunctions to prevent gang-related violence, under Part 4 of the Policing and Crime Act 2009 (as amended in particular by the Crime and Courts Act 2013). Under Part 4 of the 2009 Act, such proceedings were originally allocated to the High Court or county court regardless of the age of the respondent, but amendments made by the Crime and Courts Act 2013 provide for youth courts to deal with such proceedings where the respondent is aged under 18.
No forms are prescribed for applications. The Rules provide for all applications to which they apply to be made by complaint in writing, and provide separately for the matters which must be included in different applications. Provision is also made for proceedings against a respondent who attains the age of 18 after the proceedings are commenced either to remain in the youth court or be transferred to the High Court or county court according to the youth court’s direction.