YCJA Basics
What does YCJA stand for?
Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Name one legal right a youth has when arrested.
Any one: know why they are arrested, remain silent, speak with a lawyer or trusted adult, have legal representation, or have a parent or trusted adult present when giving a statement to police.
What is a jury?
A group of citizens selected to hear evidence in a trial and determine the facts of the case.
Who was Reena Virk, and what crime was she a victim of?
A teenager from Victoria, BC, who was assaulted and murdered in November 1997.
What does it mean to be treated fairly and reasonably?
Justice or fairness.
What age group does the YCJA apply to?
Youth aged 12–17.
What is an extrajudicial sanction?
An alternative to going to court, such as volunteer work, compensating a victim, or attending counselling.
How many people are on a jury, according to our class notes?
12 people.
In the Richardson family case, how old was J.R. when the murders occurred?
12 years old.
What is deterrence?
Using threats or consequences to discourage someone from doing something.
In what year did the YCJA replace the Young Offenders Act?
2003.
What is rehabilitation?
Helping someone change their behaviour.
What is the difference between the prosecution and the defence?
The prosecution presents evidence supporting the accused's guilt; the defence presents evidence supporting their innocence.
What was one major difference between the sentences given to J.R. and Jeremy Steinke?
J.R. received a 10-year intensive rehabilitative custody and supervision sentence, while Steinke received three life sentences.
What does it mean to reintegrate an offender into society?
Helping them successfully return to society.
What are the two main goals of the YCJA when responding to youth crime, beyond simply punishing the offender?
Holding youth accountable and helping them change through rehabilitation.
Name two factors that may influence the consequence a youth receives for breaking the law.
Any two: seriousness of the offence, previous history, attitude and responsibility, or personal circumstances.
What is a justice advocacy group, and what is one thing it does?
A group that works to improve fairness in the justice system or address the underlying causes of crime. It may educate the public, support reintegration, or advocate for the rights of accused people and victims.
In the Reena Virk case, what were Kelly Ellard and Warren Glowatski convicted of?
Second-degree murder.
What is a prosecutor?
A lawyer who works for the government to bring charges against someone accused of a crime.
Name two problems with the youth justice system that the YCJA was designed to address.
Long delays, busy courts, and consequences disconnected from the communities harmed by crime. Any two.
What are two exceptions to the publication ban that protects the identity of young offenders?
An adult sentence is imposed; the youth is at large and dangerous to others; or a youth who is 18 or older and not serving a custodial sentence chooses to publish or consents to publication of their name. Any two.
How do Youth Justice Committees reflect Indigenous traditions, and what is their main belief about crime?
Their approach draws on the Indigenous tradition of the sentencing circle. They believe crime harms the whole community, so the community should help find a solution.
Why might two youth who commit the same offence receive different consequences under the YCJA? Give two factors from our notes.
Their circumstances may differ, including their previous history, level of responsibility or remorse, personal circumstances, and the seriousness or nature of the offence.
What is a hung jury?
A jury that cannot reach an agreement on a verdict.