A Level Law Practice Exam

The answer is correct because the primary role of specially trained magistrates in the Youth Court is to hear cases involving minors aged 10 to 17 years old. Youth Courts are specifically set up to deal with young offenders and provide a legal framework that focuses on rehabilitation rather than punishment, recognizing the differences in the treatment of minors compared to adults. Magistrates in this context receive specific training to understand the developmental needs of young people and the complexities associated with their cases. This specialized focus ensures that the legal process is appropriate for youth, fostering a supportive environment conducive to rehabilitation and encouraging positive outcomes for young offenders. In contrast, overseeing trials for all criminal charges is not the role of Youth Court magistrates, as they only handle cases involving minors. Acting as defense attorneys is outside the jurisdiction of magistrates, and while sentencing young offenders to rehabilitation programs can be a part of their powers, it is not their defining role. Instead, their main function revolves around presiding over cases involving youth, thus framing option B as the most accurate choice.