YCJA Flashcards
What are the three perspectives discussed in relation to community protection?
Community protection, brain research, justice for victims/morality
These perspectives highlight the various facets of addressing crime and its impact on society.
What does community protection emphasize regarding victims?
Victims, their families/friends, and larger communities deserve protection against dangerous offenders
This underscores the need for safety and security in the community.
What are the potential risks of releasing young people too early?
The community might not be protected
Early release can lead to recidivism and further harm to the community.
What moral consideration is highlighted in the justice for victims/morality perspective?
Victims had their power taken away, so balance of power must be restored for justice
This emphasizes the importance of restoring agency to victims.
What is a key finding of brain research regarding youth offenders?
The frontal cortex of the brain is not fully developed to understand or recognize the consequences of their actions
This suggests that youth may not fully grasp the implications of their criminal behavior.
What does the Criminal Code of Canada deal with?
Adult offenders
The code outlines legal procedures and penalties for adults committing crimes.
What are some consequences for adult offenders under the Criminal Code of Canada?
- Adult sentences
- Publication of offenders’ names in media
- Creation of criminal records
These measures are intended to ensure accountability and public safety.
What age group does the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) deal with?
Ages 12-17
The YCJA specifically addresses youth offenders and their unique circumstances.
What are some consequences under the YCJA?
- Community service
- Prohibition of adult sentencing for ages 12-14
- Protection of privacy
- Many can avoid criminal records
These consequences aim to rehabilitate rather than punish youth offenders.
When was the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) passed?
In 2003
This act was a significant legal reform in Canada regarding youth justice.
What factors are considered when determining consequences for youth offenders?
- Seriousness of offence
- History of individual
- Attitude of individual
- Circumstance of individual
These factors help tailor responses to individual cases for better outcomes.
Define retribution in the context of criminal justice.
Punishment given to someone for a criminal act
This concept focuses on delivering justice through punishment.
What is rehabilitation in the context of criminal justice?
Action of restoring someone to normal life through training or therapy after imprisonment
Rehabilitation aims to reintegrate offenders into society successfully.
What are the objectives of the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA)?
- Prevent crime
- Rehabilitate and reintegrate
- Impose mental consequences on the offender
- Keep adults and youth separate in the criminal justice system
These objectives reflect a balanced approach to youth justice.
What are Extrajudicial Measures?
Measures that include:
* No further action
* Warning from police
* Caution from police
* Referral from police for a community program
These measures aim to address minor offenses without formal court proceedings.
Define Extrajudicial Sanctions.
Conditions youth must complete outside of court
These sanctions are designed to hold youth accountable while avoiding the court system.
What is the role of a Youth Justice Committee?
Citizens that help administer the YOJA or provide programs for youth offenders
These committees play a crucial role in community-based justice.
List some pros of the youth justice system.
- Allows future for young criminals
- Protects identity
- Non-permanent record
- Courts & jails not overflown
- Meaningful punishments
- Forgiveness
- Treats mental illness
These advantages aim to rehabilitate rather than punish youth offenders.
List some cons of the youth justice system.
- Consequences not meaningful to everyone
- Kids take advantage
- Expensive
- Too soft/flexible
- Doesn’t protect public
- Serious offenders can skip prison
- May not have proper follow-up with youth criminals
These drawbacks highlight potential failures in the system.
What does YCJA stand for?
Youth Criminal Justice Act
This act governs the legal processes for youth offenders in Canada.
At what age can a youth choose to be tried by a judge and jury for serious offenses under the YCJA?
14 years or older
This option is available for serious offenses such as assault and murder.
Fill in the blank: Extrajudicial Measures include a warning from _______.
police
This is one of the measures used to address minor offenses.
True or False: Extrajudicial Sanctions are imposed within the court system.
False
These sanctions are completed outside of the court system.
