Youth Criminal Justice Act Essay - 1257 Words

The overwhelming majority of juveniles are involved in impulsive or risky, even delinquent behaviors during their teenage years. However, the majority go on to become very productive citizens who do not commit crimes. In order for this to continue the government established the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) which gives young offenders a chance to better themselves, and. By doing so, the YCJA helps teach youth that their actions are unacceptable and the punishments imposed are lesser then an adult. Through the analysis of their unacceptable actions, lesser punishments and a better future, it is clear that YCJA is highly effective at giving youth a better chance in society. The YCJA teaches youth that their actions were unacceptable†¦show more content†¦Conferencing also benefit the victim by giving them the opportunity to negotiate an agreement to repair the harm as well as allowing them to tell the offender directly the effects the crime had on them. Youth can also pay for their actions through restitution, compensation, community services and other sentences that provide for close supervision and support in the community. If the youth is found guilty, the court may place the youth on probation for up to 2 years. While on probation, the youth must have good behavior and will be required to follow curfew, report to a parole officer and remain within the area. While the youth is on parole, the courts may choose where and with whom the youth may live and may include other restrictions to prevent the youth from reoffending. The court may also impose a fine of up to 1000 dollars, which must be paid by a specific time. If the youth is unable to pay the fine, they may be forced to go through a â€Å"fine option program†. The chances of a youth committing another crime are much smaller after a youth has been fined because once their parents pay this charge; they will most likely put forth a greater effort in disciplining their chi ld. Community service is also a disciplinary sentence that the courts may impose. The youth may be required to perform up to 240 hours of work in the community over a 12 month period with certain organization. These forms of sentencingShow MoreRelatedThe Youth Criminal Justice Act893 Words   |  4 Pagesfire. The youth criminal justice Act (YCJA) provided opportunities for them to reintegrate and rehabilitate, instead of throwing them in jail. YCJA covers kids between the ages twelve to seventeen years old. It s purpose is to handle youth offenders more differently than adults because of their undeveloped minds. The YCJA was released back in 2003. By protecting the rights and providing Youth Canadians the support they need, the YCJA benefits the offenders in a positive way. The act gentrustRead More Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) Essay872 Words   |  4 Pages Youth crime is a growing epidemic that affects most teenagers at one point in their life. There is no question in society to whether or not youths are committing crimes. It has been shown that since 1986 to 1998 violent crime committed by youth jumped approximately 120% (CITE). The most controversial debate in Canadian history would have to be about the Young Offenders Act (YOA). In 1982, Parliament passed the Young Offenders Act (YOA). Effective since 1984, the Young Offenders Act replaced theRead MoreThe Youth Criminal Justice Act879 Words   |  4 Pagesâ€Å"I have always found that mercy bears richer fruits than strict justice† –Abraham Lincoln Why is it that gardeners spend so much time nurturing their precious flowers? Perhaps the answer lies in the satisfaction which is gained from raising beautiful blooms. In like manner, Canada’s government believes that their flourishing youth deserve care and support in their journey of learning morals. The Youth Criminal Justice Act is a system which enforces the punishment of teenagers from the ages of 12-17Read MoreYouth Criminal Justice Act1532 Words   |  7 PagesThe Youth Criminal Justice Act is a piece of Canadian legislation...that determines the way in which youths are prosecuted under Canadas criminal justice system. The act was implemented April 1, 2003, after 7 years, 3 drafts, and more than 160 amendments. The clearly stated purpose of the Youth Criminal Justice Act is protection of the public through crime prevention, rehabilitation, and meaningful consequences (s.3(1)(a)(I-iii)). For a better understanding on whether the courts were followingRead MoreThe Yo uth Criminal Justice Act873 Words   |  4 PagesDear Mike Wallace, chair of the Justice and Human Rights Committee, I am writing today with reference to the recent amendments being proposed to the Youth Criminal Justice Act, contained within Bill C-10. This bill proposes a multitude of amendments that should be made to the current Youth Criminal Justice Act. One of the major amendments that Bill C-10 proposes is in relation to the location of detention for young offenders. Currently, a young offender, under the age of eighteen, can be orderedRead MoreYouth Criminal Justice Act881 Words   |  4 PagesWhen someone mentions the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA), some would argue that there is no purpose for it. Some believe that the age boundary is inappropriate; some believe that children should not have reduced sentences and special rights; and some may think that a youth’s criminal record should be accessible in the future. If one would look at all of the positive aspects, statistics, and examples that apply to the YCJA, then they would better appreciate the statute that applies to the y oungRead MoreThe Youth Criminal Justice Act Essay2429 Words   |  10 Pagesin accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act. The Youth Criminal Justice Act was created in 2003. The main objective of this legislation is to hold youth accountable for their actions through the promotion of â€Å"rehabilitation† and â€Å"reintegration† (Youth Criminal Justice Act, 2002, S.3a(ii)). Within the Canadian court system, there is a youth court for individuals who get in trouble with the law while they are still under the age of 18 years. In Calgary, Alberta the youth courtrooms are locatedRead MoreThe Youth Criminal Justice Act2109 Words   |  9 PagesIntroduction: Since the youth justice legislation has begun, there have been three youth justice statutes: the Juvenile Delinquents Act (1908-1984), the Young Offenders Act (YOA) (1984-2003), and the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) (2003-present). Canada’s youth criminal justice system doesn’t set up a different set of laws for young people. The same things are illegal for both adolescents and adults. The Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) explains the criminal laws for young people livingRead MoreThe Youth Criminal Justice Act Essay1471 Words   |  6 Pagesin accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act. The Youth Criminal Justice Act was created in 2003. The main objective of this legislation is to hold youth accountable for their actions through the promotion of â€Å"rehabilitation† and â€Å"reintegration† (Youth Criminal Justice Act, 2002, S.3). Within the Canadian court system there is a youth court for individuals who get in trouble with the law while they are still under the legal age of 18 years. In Calgary, Alberta the youth courtrooms are locatedRead MoreIs The Youth Criminal Justice Act Really A Deterrent?3036 Words   |  13 PagesIs the Youth in Criminal Justice Act really a deterrent to youth? The Youth in Criminal Justice Act often gets a bad rap for not being hard enough on its young offenders. There is a divide between those who would like to see these youth rehabilitated, and those who like to see them punished with lengthy prison sentences. The following case of R. v. G.-E.(A.), is a prime example of how difficult it can be to chose the most appropriate sentence for a youth offender with the Youth in Criminal Justice