Youth Criminal Justice Act

The Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) was passed by parliament in Applies to young people from the age of 12 to 17. A child younger than 12 who commits a crime (e.g., stealing) would not go through the justice system but would be dealt with by Child and Family Services.

Purpose of the Youth Criminal Justice Act The overall purpose of the YCJA is to make the public feel safe. Under this law, young people who commit crimes are made to answer for their actions. The more serious the crime, the more serious the consequences. The YCJA makes it possible for young people who commit crimes to be dealt with fairly and effectively.

Basic Principles of the YCJA Prevent crime by addressing the circumstances underlying a young person’s behaviour. Rehabilitate and reintegrate young people who commit offences into society. Ensure that a young person is subject to meaningful consequences for his or her offence.

Legal Rights of Young Persons The right to remain silent. The right to know the reason for the arrest. The right to a lawyer. The right to have a parent present when they are being questioned by the police.

Non-Violent Crimes and First- Time Offenders The YCJA recognizes that most young persons who commit crimes are non- violent offenders or first-time offenders. It describes different ways of dealing with these offenders aside from having them go to court.

Non-Violent Crimes and First- Time Offenders Warnings by the police. Participation in programs that help young people resolve the problems that led them to crime. Participation in programs that give young people the opportunity to make up for what they did. These other options include:

Violent and Repeat Offenders The YCJA also recognizes, however, that some young persons commit very serious crimes or commit crimes repeatedly. In these cases, the consequences that the young person faces are equally serious (e.g., being sent to prison). The YCJA states that a young person 14 years or older who commits a serious violent crime (e.g., murder) can be sentenced as an adult in certain situations. It also states that the media may publish the name of a young person who has been convicted of a serious violent crime and has received an adult sentence.

Criminal Records A young person who is convicted of a crime will have a criminal record. The criminal record remains for up to five years (if the crime was a non-violent one) and for up to 10 years (if the youth committed a violent crime). Those who have criminal records might not be able to travel. In addition, many businesses and employers ask job applicants if they have ever been convicted of a serious criminal offence. Criminal records are not automatically erased once the young person has reached the age of 18.

The Youth Justice Process

Why would some young people who know that a crime has been committed or will be committed choose not to tell anyone?

What should you do if you see a crime taking place? Think of my own safety first, before trying to stop the crime. Yell. Tell the person to stop. But make sure not to put myself in danger. Attract the attention of others. Get help – from other students and from adults. Call or ask someone to do so.

Why is it important to give the police information about crimes that have occurred or will occur? If the person who committed the offence is not stopped and does not suffer any consequences for his or her actions, then he or she might continue to commit crimes. In addition, he or she will not receive any help for the problems that have led him or her to this type of behaviour. If those who commit crimes are not stopped, then we might all become victims of crime at one time or another.

What should you do if you know about a crime that has happened or will happen? Report it to the police. If the crime happened/will happen at school, tell a teacher or the principal. Be prepared to tell the police everything I know about the crime. Be prepared to be a witness at a trial.

Questions??