What happens if a juvenile (young person) is charged with arson?

• The offence of arson relates to criminal property damage where the property is destroyed by fire.

• In order to prove the offence of arson the prosecution need to prove that the juvenile (young) offender knew that their actions would more than likely result in destroying or damaging property by fire.
• The age of the offender may be relevant in assessing whether they knew their actions would result in the property being damaged or destroyed.
• Different procedures exist to deal with juvenile offenders. See our topic on Juvenile Justice for more information about the procedures that apply and the range of penalties available.