 News article

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 The steps involved when a young person enters the justice system.  The type of justice that the system determines will best meet the needs of the young offender, the victim and the community.  The advantages and disadvantages of the YCJA and areas that, in your opinion, should be changed.  The ways in which the justice system is fair and equitable when dealing with young offenders.

 This activity will introduce the ideas of fairness, equity and justice.  In small groups of three or four, you will role- play an ending to the scenario on page 56 (paragraph 1) of the textbook.  Your ending should demonstrate: › An understanding of the viewpoints/perspectives of the people involved; › What you think would be a fair and equitable conclusion.

 What challenges and opportunities did you encounter when deciding on a fair and equitable conclusion?

 Justice must treat everyone equal. Justice must not be prejudice based on how someone looks act in the court room. Why do you believe justice is often portrayed as blind? Why do you believe justice is often portrayed as blind?

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Since this was a first offence, and it was relatively minor with no one being physically hurt, it’s better that the offender not be tagged with a criminal record if she can learn from the experience and recognize the consequences of her actions. The consequences of community service were commensurate with the crime and it did some good for the daycare. It was fair from the victim’s perspective as the offence was minor and the stolen goods were likely recovered. That doesn’t take away from the trauma or violation the victim may have experienced. The offender might have been charged had she not acknowledged what she had done and admitted that it was wrong. That could have led to a criminal record. The decision would depend on how well the perpetrator honoured the conditions of the sentences.  Complete a flow chart using a computer. Page 61

What consequences do young people face when they break the law? Page 65 Girl Stole from departm ent store Police officer ? ? ? ?

Graffiti activity 1. What aspects of the girl in the cartoons experience would you say are most important in evaluating the fairness and equity of the justice system for youth? 2. In your opinion, what factor had the biggest impact on this young offender’s change of attitude? Why? What life lessons can you learn from her story? 3. Why do you think a separate justice system is needed for young offenders? 4. How would a criminal record affect your quality of life? How might it affect your identity? 5. If you do something wrong, how important is it to receive consequences quickly? Why? How important is it to make up for wrong actions that affect others?

Questions to think about when completing chart:  What aspects of her experience would you say are most important in evaluating the fairness and equity of the justice system for youth?

 Recognition that what she did could have led to a far more serious consequences, such as jail time and a criminal record.  Had she received a criminal record, many of the rights most of use take for granted, such as being able to travel to other countries, would be taken away.  Life lessons include being aware of consequences of your actions. One seemingly small mistake can have repercussions for a lifetime.  Life lessons include wondering if you can recover the relationships you have with your parents and friends. Will they be able to trust you again?

Why do you think a separate justice system is needed for young offenders?  Young people do not understand what they are doing in the same way that adults do. They may not have the same knowledge base and experience.  Putting young people in jail or prison with older criminals does not help them change for the better. It not only jeopardizes their well- being, but can lead to their acquiring habits that would make them poor risks (offenders) as adults.

How would a criminal record affect your quality of life? How might it affect your identity?  A criminal record can permanently bar you from some jobs, volunteer positions, and travel to some countries.  Some people may not want to be my friends if I had a criminal record.  I might think of myself as less worthy, less important – as someone with a criminal record.

 Canadians are more concerned about rehabilitating young offenders than punishing them.  Justice can involve many other professionals, not just the police, lawyers and judges. Others, such as social workers, mental health workers, Elders and community volunteers, can design programs that will help to rehabilitate young people.

 If I don’t receive consequences quickly, I might forget why I am being punished. Also, other people may think it wasn’t fair that I “got away with it”.  The right consequences, determined within a reasonable time, may stop me from hurting others in the future.  I agree that the wrong I did to someone else should be dealt with. I will have repaid a debt I owe to that person.  When the time between offence and consequence is too long, everyone loses. The offender has to wait and cannot get on with his or her life, and neither can the victim.

Using a comparison chart and page 64, compare the similarities and differences between adult justice and youth justice. YCJA Criminal code

Deals with 12- to 17- year olds in trouble with the law. Allows some young offenders to face consequences such as counselling and community service. Prohibits adult sentences for youths 12 to 14 years of age. Allows adult sentences for young people 14 years of age and older who have committed serious crimes. Protects the privacy of young offenders. News media may not publish their names unless they receive an adult sentence. Allows most young offenders to avoid a criminal record.

Deals with adults in trouble with the law. Makes going to court the usual consequence for breaking the law. Defines adult sentences, which can include long periods of imprisonment for some crimes. Allows the publication of offenders’ names. Creates a criminal record for most offenders.