YCJA Basics
In what year was the Youth Criminal Justice Act passed?
2003
What Canadian law defines the consequences young people face for criminal offences?
the Youth Criminal Justice Act
What is the term for a consequence for a crime determined by a court of law?
sentence
How many people are on a jury?
12
Name one of the two major justice advocacy organizations discussed in the slides.
the John Howard Society and the Elizabeth Fry Society
What age group does the YCJA apply to?
12-17
What law defines the consequences adults face for criminal offences?
the Criminal Code of Canada
Which is generally considered more serious: a violent offence or a non-violent offence?
Violent offence
What must all 12 jurors agree on to reach a verdict in these cases?
a unanimous decision
Which advocacy society focuses on justice issues for women and girls?
the Elizabeth Fry Society
What is the main intention of the YCJA?
Rehabilitation
Unlike most adult offenders, most young offenders can avoid having what?
a criminal record
What are the four factors that help determine consequences for a youth offender?
seriousness of the offence, the offender's history, their attitude, and their circumstances
What is the minimum age to be eligible for jury duty in Canada, according to the slides?
18 years old
What do we call help in the community performed as part of a sentence?
community service
Name two objectives of the YCJA besides rehabilitation.
preventing crime by addressing its underlying causes, reintegrating youth into society, ensuring meaningful consequences, or recognizing youths' reduced maturity?
Under the YCJA, news media generally cannot publish a youth offender's name unless what happens?
the youth receives an adult sentence
Two youths commit the same offence. One accepts responsibility, while the other refuses to take responsibility. Why might their consequences differ?
an offender's attitude and willingness to take responsibility affect the consequences they receive
Name two requirements for being eligible for jury duty other than age?
being a Canadian citizen, being at least 18, having no disqualifying criminal record, and having no connection to the people involved
What does it mean to rehabilitate an offender?
helping someone develop positive behaviours and attitudes
Why does Canada have a separate justice system for youth instead of treating them exactly like adults?
the law recognize that young people have reduced maturity and may not fully understand the immediate and long-term consequences of their actions
A 16-year-old commits a serious crime. According to the slides, could this youth receive an adult sentence? Explain.
yes, because the slides state that adult sentences may be allowed for youth aged 14 and older who commit serious crimes
Before the YCJA, all young people who broke the law were charged and went to court. Identify one problem with this approach described in the slides.
crowded courts could delay consequences, or that consequences did not always connect to the people and communities affected by the offence
You receive a jury summons, but you have work and school commitments. What is your responsibility, and what must your employer provide?
you must attend court and arrange your commitments; your employer must give you time off
How do advocacy groups help both offenders and communities, and how can this help reduce crime?
by addressing underlying causes of crime, educating the public, supporting offenders' return to the community, defending rights, and promoting a fairer justice system