YCJA Basics
This set of laws applies to youth aged 12–17 who commit crimes.
➡️ What is the Youth Criminal Justice Act?
This principle means someone is considered innocent until the court proves otherwise.
➡️ What is “innocent until proven guilty”?
This applies to adults charged with crimes in Canada.
➡️ What is the Criminal Code of Canada?
These are alternatives to court used for less serious youth offences.
➡️ What are extrajudicial measures (EJMs)?
This court hears cases involving youth offenders.
➡️ What is youth court?
Canadian citizens aged 18+ may be required to do this civic duty.
➡️ What is jury duty?
The YCJA became law in Canada in this year.
➡️ What is 2003?
Justice means punishment should match the crime and be this.
➡️ What is fair?
Youth names are usually protected under this law.
➡️ What is the YCJA?
A verbal or written notice from police is called this.
➡️ What is a warning or caution?
This sentencing option is the least restrictive and may involve a lecture from a judge.
➡️ What is a reprimand?
This justice organization focuses on helping people re-enter society and preventing crime.
➡️ What is the John Howard Society?
One main goal of the YCJA is to help youth rejoin society successfully.
➡️ What is reintegration?
This type of justice focuses on repairing harm and healing relationships.
➡️ What is restorative justice?
Adults can receive this after being found guilty, but youth usually do not.
➡️ What is a criminal record?
Community service, apologies, and counselling are examples of these.
➡️ What are extrajudicial sanctions?
Custody sentences are usually reserved for these types of offenders.
➡️ What are violent or repeat offenders?
This organization focuses on justice issues affecting women and girls.
➡️ What is the Elizabeth Fry Society?
Youth under this age cannot be charged under the YCJA.
➡️ What is 12 years old?
This type of justice focuses mainly on punishment and deterrence.
➡️ What is punitive (retributive) justice?
Youth aged 14+ may receive this type of sentence for serious violent crimes.
➡️ What is an adult sentence?
If a youth does not follow EJMs, this may happen next.
➡️ What is going to youth court?
This special sentence is for serious violent youth offenders with treatment plans.
➡️ What is an Intensive Rehabilitative Custody & Supervision Order?
Indigenous justice practices may include this community-based process.
➡️ What is a sentencing circle?
The long-term goal of the YCJA is to protect this group.
➡️ What is society/the public?
Justice should consider a person’s circumstances, not treat everyone exactly the same. This is called being:
➡️ What is equitable?
This is one key reason youth are treated differently than adults.
➡️ What is reduced maturity/development/dependency?
Consequences should help youth understand the impact of their actions. These are called:
➡️ What are meaningful consequences?
All jurors must agree on a verdict. This is called being:
➡️ What is unanimous?
These community members play an important role in Indigenous justice processes.
➡️ Who are Elders?