The Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA)

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The Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) was introduced to Canada in 2003, replacing the Young Offenders Act ( YOA). The YCJA is the law system that governs youth ages 12-17 in trouble with the law. The YCJA is mostly fair and equitable due to these aspects. It lowers youth crime rates in Canada, the court system applies the right consequences to the troubled youth, and the system somewhat successfully rehabilitates and reintegrates the youth criminals into society. Many factors have been considered when creating the YCJA such as, does it really lower youth crime rates?

Since the YCJA has been put into action youth crime rates have lowered. Between 1991 to 2006 Alberta youth crime rates have declined by 41% due to the YCJA. Since the main …show more content…
The person is arrested and then they are taken for further evaluation. If this was the youth first offence and the crime was minor, the youth would get a warning, community service,and or fines. However if the crime was more serious such as assault, and murder the youth would be taken to court and to be sentenced by a judge. Before the trial there will be a preliminary trial, this will be setting the guidelines and what can be covered in the court case like can the youth be tried as an adult. Youth between the ages 14-17 that have committed a serious crime can be prosecuted as an adult. The difference between being prosecuted as an adult and youth is a couple of years in juvenile detention, not having your name released to the public, and having your permanent record expunged. Compared to years in adult prison, having a permanent criminal record, and your name released to the public. During the court case the judge takes many factors are put into consideration such as: history of the youth, family involvement, the offence severity. If the youth is found guilty there are many consequences for the severity of the crime like community service, fines, and probation for less severe crimes. However if the crime is severe there is possibility for Juvenile detention and higher fines. The troubled youth will have reasonable deadline for the fines, and community service. The YCJA has proper sentencing for troubled youth but, do they properly rehabilitate and reintegrate youth into
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