When does the anonymity under section 45 end for juveniles?

Anonymity under section 45 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act primarily applies to individuals under the age of 18 who are charged with criminal offenses. The law is designed to protect the identities of juveniles to minimize the impact of criminal proceedings on their development and to encourage rehabilitation.

The correct understanding is that the anonymity for juveniles ends when they turn 18. At this age, they transition from being considered a juvenile to an adult in legal terms, therefore losing the protections that were in place for them while they were minors. This aligns with the broader principle within the legal framework that differentiates between minors and adults, recognizing that young offenders may require different considerations in the justice system.

The other options do not accurately reflect the legal stipulation about juvenile anonymity under section 45. For instance, the notion that anonymity expires when a trial begins or when a juvenile is sentenced does not align with the age threshold established by law. Additionally, the claim that it ends upon reaching 21 years is incorrect, as the law specifically states that anonymity expires at 18, not later. Understanding these nuances is essential for anyone studying media law, as they have significant implications for reporting on juvenile offenders.