Youth vs. Adult Justice System in Canada

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary responsibility of jurors when taking their oath?

To make a decision influenced by public opinion

To seek the defendant's guilt or innocence based on emotion

To deliver a verdict based solely on the law and evidence (correct)

To prioritize personal beliefs over the evidence

Which statement accurately reflects the support provided to jurors who work more than a day on a jury?

They receive no compensation for travel

They are given food but no financial support

They receive $50 a day and possible accommodation (correct)

Jurors are only compensated if they live within 100 km of the court

What type of individuals does the Elizabeth Fry Society specifically support?

All individuals with criminal records

Youth struggling with minor offenses

Former inmates of all genders

Women, girls, and babies in trouble with the law (correct)

What is a key function of the Youth Justice Committee?

To assist young offenders in reintegrating and learning from minor offenses Signup and view all the answers

What role do Elders play in the justice system?

They assist in cultural reconnection and reintegration of offenders Signup and view all the answers

What is one fundamental principle of justice in Canada?

Justice should be fair and equitable. Signup and view all the answers

Who does the YCJA apply to?

Youth aged 12 to 17 years old. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following consequences is typically not associated with youth offenders under the YCJA?

Fines Signup and view all the answers

How does the publication of names differ between youth and adult offenders?

Youth names are not published unless it is a serious offense. Signup and view all the answers

What is commonly considered a form of community service for adults?

Reparative tasks for the community Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary law that defines consequences for adult criminal offenses?

Criminal Code of Canada Signup and view all the answers

Which of these actions is associated with youth justice rather than adult justice?

Custody Signup and view all the answers

What is typically not a characteristic of a youth record?

It can be accessed by employers. Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition can a judge allow an adult sentence for a youth under the YCJA?

If the youth is over 14 years old and committed a serious crime Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary reason for replacing the Young Offenders Act with the YCJA?

Youth did not face consequences for extended periods for their crimes Signup and view all the answers

What are the four key considerations when deciding a youth's sentence under the YCJA?

Level of responsibility, nature and severity of crime, personal circumstances, and rehabilitation potential Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the objectives of the YCJA?

To promote prevention of future offenses Signup and view all the answers

What opinion does the Conservative government hold regarding youth who have committed crimes?

They should have automatic adult jail terms. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to rehabilitate someone according to the YCJA?

To help them understand the consequences of their offense Signup and view all the answers

What concern is raised about the treatment of Aboriginal youth in the justice system?

They are charged more frequently than non-Aboriginal youth for similar offenses. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'meaningful consequences' mean for a young offender?

Consequences that are just and impactful Signup and view all the answers

According to Drayton Valley residents, what perception do they have about punishments for youth offenders?

They see harsh punishments being applied to youth in their community. Signup and view all the answers

How did the number of youths charged with offenses change from 1991 to 2006?

It plummeted after the YCJA was introduced Signup and view all the answers

What is one component that does not align with the objectives of the YCJA?

Enforcing harsh penalties without consideration for youth circumstances Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of a jury in the justice system?

To decide the outcome of a legal case. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for someone to be eligible for jury duty?

Must have a college degree. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean for jurors to be sequestered during a trial?

They are isolated to avoid outside influences. Signup and view all the answers

During a trial, who are the two main teams involved?

Defendant and their lawyer, and the prosecutor for the Crown. Signup and view all the answers

What is required of jurors in terms of their oath?

They can swear by their beliefs to remain truthful and fair. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Outcome 1: Youth Justice System vs. Adult Justice System in Canada

Justice is defined as fairness and moral rights.
A justice system is a structured system of laws and processes to ensure fairness and justice for victims of crime.
A fair and equitable justice system delivers appropriate punishments/justice for committed crimes.
A fundamental principle in Canadian and other democratic societies is innocent until proven guilty.
The YCJA (Youth Criminal Justice Act) applies to youth offenders aged 12-17.
The Criminal Code of Canada defines consequences for adult offenders.
Community service is a form of rehabilitation aiming to put a crime in context for the victims.
A criminal record is a permanent record of all criminal offenses, accessible to all.
A sentence is the outcome of a crime.
Differences between youth (YCJA) and adult (Criminal Code) justice systems should be compared.

Common Consequences for Breaking the Law (Youth vs. Adults)

Youth: Warnings, Diversion programs, Compensation, Custody, Probation.
Adults: Fines, Probation, Community service, Imprisonment, Compensation, Criminal record.
Criminal records are not always created for youth offenses.
The seriousness of the crime can influence the consequences for youth, and records.

Rules & Expectations in Youth Court

The YCJA does not allow for adult sentences for youth unless they are over 14 and committed serious offenses.
Changes from the Young Offenders Act to the YCJA aimed at giving youth appropriate consequences for a specific time frame.
Factors influencing sentencing of young offenders: Level of responsibility, Nature/Severity of crime, Rehabilitation potential, Personal circumstances.
Objectives of the YCJA are Accountability, Rehabilitation, Fair consequences, Prevention of future offenses
Reintegration means reintroducing someone back into society after rehabilitation.

Meaningful Consequences, Graph, & Youth Justice System Statistics

Meaningful consequences mean the consequences of a crime are appropriate for the offense.
Youth crime statistics in Canada were graphed between 1986-2006.
Approx. 9,000 youth were charged with offences in 1991.
The YCJA was introduced in 1995, laws effective 2003, leading to a notable drop/change in youth crime.

Justice Advocacy Groups

John Howard Society: proactive & reactive, helping everyone, and also aiding at-risk youth or those dealing with the justice system.
Elizabeth Fry Society: focusing on women, girls, and babies, assists to reintegrate individuals into society.

Youth Justice Committee Function

The Youth Justice Committee helps youth offenders overcome minor offenses and be held accountable for their actions.

Role of Elders in Justice System

Elders play an important role in integrating Indigenous offenders back into society by assisting in jobs, improving lifestyle choices.
Elders participate in sentencing circles and youth justice committees, helping Indigenous offenders connect with their cultural heritage.

Jurors Responsibilities

Jurors are people deciding the outcome of legal cases.
Eligibility requirements include being over 18 and having a clear criminal record.
Responsibilities and expectations from employers & jurors, include providing transportation, must get time off of work, & must have no undue hardship.
Jurors should remain isolated & unbiased.
Oath must be taken to be truthful & fair.
Jurors must only use evidence and the law to reach a verdict.

Outcome 2: Citizen & Organizational Participation in Canada's Justice System

A jury is a group of people that decide the outcome of a legal case.
Eligibility criteria for jury duty include minimum age (18), citizenship, and a clean criminal record.
Jury duty participants must provide their own transportation, and may receive time off work provided there isn't undue hardship.

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Description

Explore the key differences between the Youth Criminal Justice Act and the Criminal Code of Canada. This quiz highlights the principles of justice, consequences for youth and adults, and how rehabilitation is approached in both systems. Test your knowledge on the Canadian justice framework as it applies to different age groups.