Youth Justice System in Canada PDF

**Outcome 1: I can describe how the youth justice system and the adult justice system are different in Canada?** **Use your textbook, *Issues for Canadians*, to respond to the questions for this unit. Your friend, Google, will not be as clear and there is too much information out there to sort thro...

**Outcome 1: I can describe how the youth justice system and the adult justice system are different in Canada?** **Use your textbook, *Issues for Canadians*, to respond to the questions for this unit. Your friend, Google, will not be as clear and there is too much information out there to sort through.** I. **What is justice?** II. **Describe a justice system?** III. **How can a justice system be fair and equitable?** IV. **What is one of the fundamental principles of justice in Canada and other democratic countries?** V. **What is the YCJA and who does the law apply to?** VI. **What law defines the consequences that adults face for criminal offences?** VII. **What is community service?** VIII. **What is a criminal record?** IX. **What is a sentence?** 10\. Compare the justice system for youth (YCJA) and adults (Criminal Code of Canada). +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | | Youth | Adults | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | Common consequences | - Warnings | - Fines | | for breaking the law. | | | | | - Diversion | - Probation | | | programs | | | | | - Community service | | | - Youth records | | | | | - Imprisonment | | | - Compensation | | | | | - Compensation | | | - Custody | | | | | - Criminal record | | | - Probation | | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | Name of offender is | No but if it was a | Yes | | published for | serious offense then | | | breaking the law.(yes | yes. | | | or no) | | | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | Gets a criminal | Yes, if the crime was | Yes | | record for breaking | serious but it does | | | the law. (yes or no) | not say what crime | | | | you committed but | | | | usually not. | | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ 11\. The YCJA does not allow (prohibits) adult sentences. When will the judge break this rule and allow adult sentences for youth? If they are above 14 and committed a serious crime. 12\. Why did the government change from the Young Offenders Act to the YCJA? (hint p.67) They did not face consequences for extended periods of time for their crime. All youth were charged. 13\. When the youth is sentenced for a crime, police prosecutors, judges and volunteers will decide what happens to him or her. This is based on (4 points): - Level of responsibility - Nature and Severity of Crime - Personal circumstances - Rehabilitation potential 14\. What are the 4 objectives of the YCJA? - Accountability and Responsibility - Rehabilitation - Fair consequences - Prevention of future offence 15\. What does it mean to rehabilitate someone? To reinform them on the consequences of their offence. 16\. What does it mean to reintegrate someone? It means to re-introduce them back into society after rehabilitation. 17\. What does it mean for a young person to receive "meaningful consequences"?.If the consequences are not great then the offender may commit again "meaningful consequences" means to make the consequences just. 18\. On page 71, there is a graph showing the number of young people that have been charged with crimes in Canada from 1986 to 2006. a\. In 1991, how many total youths were charged with offences? About 9,000 youths were charged. b\. In 1995, the YCJA was introduced and it was made law in 2003. How can you describe what happened to the number of youth charged with offences during this time? Why do people think this law is effective? The youths that were charged plummeted, but the crime stayed the same, I would say this program is extraordinarily successful towards stopping crime in youths and to create a meaningful mindfulness amongst youths. 19\. On pages 72 and 73, there are newspaper articles that show that Canadians have different opinions about how the justice system should deal with young offenders. Write the main idea that is presented as an opinion in each article. a\. Automatic Adult Jail Terms Eyed for Youth The Conservative government wants the youth who have committed crimes to be treated more harshly. b\. Justice System Discriminates Against Aboriginal People More aboriginal youths are being charged more than non-aboriginal youths for the same offence. c\. Justice Can Be Seen To Be Done The complaint that youths get off too easy does not seem realistic to Drayton Valley residents- they are seeing harsh punishments for youth in their community. d\. Identify Violent Youth Offenders Youth offenders that have committed serious crimes, their name will not be punished to the public for their well-being in the community, and an opportunity to rejoin society and not hurt others or themselves. **Outcome 2: I can explain how citizens and organizations participate in Canada's Justice System.** 20\. What is a jury? Group of people that decide the outcome of a legal case. 21\. Who is eligible for jury duty and what are the rules governing citizen's participation in jury duty as well as actions of the employers of jurors? - At least 18 years old - Citizen - Clear record - Provide own transportations - Must give you time off, does not need to pay you - Excuse only if it would cause undue hardship 22\. During a trial, there are 2 teams trying to persuade the jury that their side of the story is true. Describe these 2 teams including what their jobs entail. - The defendant, and their lawyer - The prosecutor for the Crown (Crown = government) 23\. The following are expectations of the jurors. - Need to be isolated - Aren't listen to the radio. - Read newspapers. - Watch live tv. - Talk to anyone, including family about current affairs-conversations are monitored. - Can't go home if the trial lasts more than a day. a\. They have to be sequestered, which means: Isolated, to decide whether the prosecutor has proven if they're guilty or not without any outside influence b\. They have to take an oath, which means: They can either swear by their gods/beliefs to be truthful and to be fair. Or they take this oath "I swear by almighty "God" that I will faithfully try the defendant and give a true verdict according to the evidence" **Canada:** "To use only evidence and the law to reach a verdict" 24\. How are jurors rewarded for their work on the jury? They get paid food and even a place to stay if it lasts longer than a day. If the have to travel a long distance (over 100km) the gas is covered. Childcare may be covered with receipts. They get \$50 a day. 25\. Describe two groups that are justice advocacy groups. **a.** The John Howard Society: Both proactive and reactive, it helps everyone. It will look at at-risk areas to try and help youth that are already susceptible to crime, it will also help people once they have been in trouble with the law. **b.** The Elizabeth Fry Society: Deals with only women, girls, and babies. They help people who have been in trouble with the law to reintegrate into society. 26\. What is a Youth Justice Committee? The Youth Justice Committee helps young offenders move past their minor offences while still being held accountable for their actions. 27\. What role do Elders have in the justice system? They try to help criminals reintegrate into society, this would involve helping to find jobs, and a better lifestyle overall. Elders are experienced, knowledge, and respected. They sit on sentencing circles and youth justice committees. They connect Indigenous offenders to their culture. 28\. When youth is apprehended: 1. Silent \-\-- until parent arrives 2. Phone call 3. Lawyer 4. Parent present for questioning \*Choice in for judge a Jury\*