Federal Government
How a Bill gets Passed
Vocab Zone
YCJA
Criminal Justice
100
Who is the Head of State in Canada?
King Charles III
100
What is royal assent?
When the governor general signs off on a bill, making it law.
100
Bias
Bias is a disproportionate weight, preference, or inclination for or against an idea, person, or group, usually in a way that is closed-minded, prejudicial, or unfair.
100
What ages does the YCJA apply?
12-17
100
What might disqualify you from serving on a jury (name 2)
Bias
Not a citizen
Not 18
Complet lack of knowledge
Criminal record
200
House of Commons is in which branch?
Legislative
200
What are the 3 governing bodies that have to be in agreement for a bill to pass?
House of Commons, Senate and Governor General
200
Jury
A group of 12 Canadian citizens with no criminal record who decide if the accused is guilty or innocent.
200
You CAN be tried as an adult if:
(say two things)
The crime is serious enough
You are 14+
200
This group works with girls and women who have committed crimes or been affected by crime.
Elizabeth Fry Society
200
Which government branch is NOT responsible for creating legislation?
Judicial
200
Where does a bill usually start?
House of Commons
200
Minority government
When a ruling party has the most seats of any faction, but not a majority of them.
200
Name two extrajudicial measures
Community service, probation, rehab, counselling, warning, fine, etc.
200
Before the YCJA was the _______.
Young Offender's Act (YOA)
300
What is the purpose of the Senate?
Represent the interests of minorities or people who otherwise would “fall through the cracks”
Make tough decisions
Keep the House of Commons accountable
300
Who is involved in the committee stage? (Say 3)
Parliamentarians, experts, affected citizens, lobbyists
300
Lobbyist
Someone hired by a group to influence MP’s and government officials
300
What is the purpose of the YCJA?
Hold youth accountable, while recognizing their need to be treated differently than adults.
Offer youth a second chance
Rehabilitation, not punishment
Reduce chances of re-offence
300
Name three things that justice advocacy groups might do.
Help rehabilitated criminals find jobs
Find him/her a place to live
Arrange meetings between the victims and the offender
Stand up for youth and adults accused of crimes
Lobby of measures to improve the fairness of the justice system
Provide education about laws and the justice system
300
Why is our system of voting sometimes called "winner takes all" ?
Because whoever wins the most votes in a riding, becomes the MP, regardless of what % they got.
300
What is the purpose of the Report Stage?
To add "amendments";
modify the bill
300
Constituency and constituents
Constituency: A region that is all represented by ONE Member of Parliament.
Constituent: A citizen living in that constituency (riding)
300
Name four factors that are taken into account when sentencing under the YCJA
History of the youth?
Severity of their crime?
Do they seem sorry / have they learned a lesson?
What are their circumstances?
300
What does a sentencing circle do?
The accused, victim, families, elders, community members all sit together.
They share stories, often starting with a ceremony like smudging
The circle reaches a consensus and recommends a sentence (probation, restitution, community service, etc.) and a judge can then finalize it into law if deemed acceptable.