1. Youth Criminal Justice Act

2. Definitions Justice: the quality of being just, impartial and fair
guilt or innocence are determined fairly
treated equally under the law
Criminal Record:
when you break a federal law
ex: breach, perjury, theft, trespassing at night
you do not get a criminal record for breaking provincial laws

3. Criminal Code of Canada
Book includes:
Criminal Code
Canada Evidence Act
CCRF
Controlled drugs and substances
Crimes against humanity/war crimes
Includes a grid that outlines sentencing possibilities

4. Offences and Sentences
Summary conviction: less serious months incarceration
Indictable offence: more serious; maximum sentences. 6+ months incarceration
Hybrid: the Crown Prosecutor and Judge may decide on sentencing
Sentences:
Federal Penitentiary: 2+ years
Provincial facility: 2 years less a day

5. Age of Criminal Responsibility: 12 years
Age at which you can be charged as an adult: 14 years
Age of majority under the law: 18 years

6. History of Youth Justice
Juvenile Delinquents Act
1908
Charges apply to ages 7-adult
Separate system, separate courts
Based on belief that youth are not responsible for their own actions
Young Offenders Act
1984
12-17 year-olds
Use wasn’t clear; youth were sent to jail for just about everything.
Youth Justice Renewal
Decreased reliance on jails
Introduced alternatives (rehabilitation)
Meaningful consequences

7. Youth Criminal Justice Act
2003
12-17 year-olds
Focuses on:
Emphasizes respect, victims, responsibility and accountability.
Meaningful consequences
Rehabilitation and re-integration

8. Youth Sentencing Reprimand: Absolute Discharge: Conditional Discharge:
Stern warning from judge
Absolute Discharge:
Court is satisfied that nothing else need be done; youth is released with no conditions
Conditional Discharge:
Youth is released after having followed specific conditions for a specified period of time
Fine:
Youth pays money to the court
Compensation:
Pay money to another person (usually the victim)
Restitution:
Return to the owner any stolen goods within a specified period of time.
Pay Purchaser:
Payment made to a person who innocently bought stolen goods
Personal Service:
Provide compensation “in kind” to victim
Community Service:
Work in the community without pay

9. Youth Sentencing Cont’d
Prohibition:
Banned from owning something
Seizure:
Something is taken away from the youth
Forfeiture:
Youth has to give up something he/she has
Probation:
Supervision for a period up to two years
Intensive Support and Supervision:
More support than probation to enable the youth to change
Attendance Order:
Must attend a program such as anger management
Custody and Supervision Order:
Serve time in a young offender centre or community, followed by supervision in the community
Deferred Custody and Supervision Order:
Serve sentence in community under conditions rather than in custody.
Intensive Rehabilitative Custody and Supervision Order:
For most violent and high-risk youth.

10. Youth Criminal Records:
If charged, your record stays in CPIC for:
Summary offences:
3 years after sentencing is complete
Indictable offences:
5 years after sentencing is complete
If you turn 18 and re-offend while your offence’s access period is open, that charge rolls over into your adult record.
Adult records are permanent.
Criminal records impede:
Jobs
Travel
Attendance at college
College opportunities
Volunteer work