What Role do Canadian Citizens Play in the Youth Justice System? Jurors Advocacy Groups Elders

What responsibilities do jurors have? A jury consists of 12 Canadian citizens who are 18 or older.A jury consists of 12 Canadian citizens who are 18 or older. People who have committed some crimes are not eligible.People who have committed some crimes are not eligible. Once you are summoned, it is your duty to serve.Once you are summoned, it is your duty to serve. Your employer must give you time off if you are summoned but does not have to pay you.Your employer must give you time off if you are summoned but does not have to pay you. You can be excused from jury duty if you can demonstrate that it would cause you undue hardship.You can be excused from jury duty if you can demonstrate that it would cause you undue hardship.

What does a juror do? A jury consists of 12 people.A jury consists of 12 people. Jurors swear an oath that they will only use evidence to reach a verdict.Jurors swear an oath that they will only use evidence to reach a verdict. A person, 14 years or older, can choose to be tried by a judge or jury for certain offences (ex. assault or murder).A person, 14 years or older, can choose to be tried by a judge or jury for certain offences (ex. assault or murder). A jury must agree unanimously on the verdict.A jury must agree unanimously on the verdict.

What are justice advocacy groups? Justice advocacy groups are citizen-led organizations that are involved in the justice system.Justice advocacy groups are citizen-led organizations that are involved in the justice system. They work independently from the government.They work independently from the government. They educate the public about laws and the justice system.They educate the public about laws and the justice system. They work with people who have broken the law.They work with people who have broken the law. They stand up for the rights of the accused.They stand up for the rights of the accused. They try to improve fairness in the justice system for the accused and victims.They try to improve fairness in the justice system for the accused and victims.

Examples of justice advocacy groups John Howard SocietyJohn Howard Society –Work with men, women, boys and girls Elizabeth Fry SocietyElizabeth Fry Society –Focuses on justice issues for women and girls

What role do Elders have? Young offenders can face consequences from Youth Justice Committees.Young offenders can face consequences from Youth Justice Committees. These committees are a reflection of sentencing circles which come from Aboriginal traditions.These committees are a reflection of sentencing circles which come from Aboriginal traditions. Aboriginal committees meet with truth, peace and understanding.Aboriginal committees meet with truth, peace and understanding. Elders understand that crime affects a whole community.Elders understand that crime affects a whole community. The community must become involved in solutions.The community must become involved in solutions.