The YCJA
What does YCJA stand for?
Youth Criminal Justice Act
At what age can a youth be given an adult sentence?
14
Role is a position/title one can take. Responsibilities are the duties one has.
Define advocacy
Working on behalf of an idea, policy, or person.
For what ages does the YCJA apply?
12-17 years old
What are the main two choices a police officer has at the start of the consequence process?
Charge or not charge.
Provide one way a citizen can be involved in the judicial system
Being called for jury duty, committing a crime, etc . . .
Name the two advocacy groups discussed in this unit
John Howard Society and Elizabeth Fry Society
Name the two Acts that came before the YCJA
Young Offenders Act and the Juvenile Delinquents Act
Which of the following statements about the YCJA is false?
A) Youths under the age of 14 who have committed serious crimes are prohibited from being given an adult sentence
B) Some youths may be ordered to undergo counseling instead of incarceration as punishment for their crime
C) Young offenders charged under the YCJA will never face a criminal record
D) The names of young offenders are not published in the media
C. If a youth over the age of 14 has been given an adult sentence, they may face a criminal record for life.
Which of the following does not apply to all people in Canada?
Knowing the law, constructing the law, following the law, obeying the law
Constructing the law
What is the primary difference between the John Howard and Elizabeth Fry societies?
Provide 3 pros of the YCJA
1) Youth can avoid a criminal record
2) Overall decrease of youth incarceration
3) The whole community (and victims) can benefit
4) Incorporates Indigenous perspectives through restorative justice circles
5) Sped up the justice system
Provide 3 possible consequences other than prison that are given under the YCJA
Counseling, community service, restitution, etc . . .
Name three of the people who might be involved in a youth justice circle
Victim, Indigenous Elder, counselor, police officer, families, community members, etc...
Name two of the goals John Howard and Elizabeth Fry societies
Find out why youths and adult commit crimes, prevent crimes, ensure the rights of those who have committed crimes are being respected, help with reintegration.
Provide three objectives of the YCJA
- Prevent crime by addressing circumstances underlying the young offender's behaviour
- Rehabilitate young persons who commit offences, and reintegrate them into society
- Ensure that a young person is subject to meaningful consequences to protect society
- Establish a Justice system that is separate from adults to recognize young offender's reduced maturity
Provide three factors considered when determining consequences for youth
Seriousness of the crime, history of the young offender, attitude of the young offender, circumstances of the offender
When a citizen is given jury duty, what are two responsibilities they have?
Show up on time, arrange transportation, arrange time off work
Bonus question: Who was John Howard? OR... Who was Elizabeth Fry?
John Howard: 18th-century philanthropist who made significant contributions in prison reform. Elizabeth Fry: British woman who worked to improve conditions for women incarcerated in poorhouses in England in the early 1800s.