To what extent is the justice system fair and equitable for youth? Chapter 2

Fair and Equitable: governed by rules that apply to everyone, taking into account individual needs and circumstances Justice: applying laws Justice system: the institutions and procedures for applying laws in a society

Questions for discussion Why do you believe justice is often portrayed as blind? Do you agree with the statement that nothing is more important than justice and a just society?

What goals should the justice system have? With a partner, take 5 minutes to outline what you think the goals of the Canadian justice system should be

How are youth justice and adult justice different in Canada? Canada’s justice system has two different sets of legislation. One deals with young people who break the law and one that deals with adults who break the law.

Youth Criminal Justice Act 1. Deals with 12 – 17 year olds 2. Allows some young offenders to face consequences such as community service and counselling 3. Prohibits adult sentences for youths 12 -14 4. Allows adult sentences for young people 14 years and older who commit serious crimes

Youth Criminal Justice Act 5. Protects privacy of young offenders. - Media may not publish names of young offenders unless they commit adult crimes 6. Allows most young offenders to avoid a criminal record

Criminal Code of Canada Deals with adults Makes going to court the usual consequence for breaking the law Defines long periods of imprisonment for some crimes Allows the publication of names Creates a criminal record for most offenders

Questions: How would a criminal record affect your quality of life? How might is affect your identity? Assess the advantages and disadvantages of each of the following punishments: - community service - counselling - jail

Quiz 1. List the consequences that a young offender might face for committing a crime 2. What is the media NOT allowed to do when publishing a story about a young offender? 3. Who cannot receive an adult sentence?