Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) Flashcards
when was the youth criminal justice act created?
April 1, 2003
what is the max sentence you can get under YCJA?
10 years
when was YCJA amended as a safe streets and communities act, and what did this change?
It was amended in 2012 and changed the ways serious, violent, or repeat offenders were dealt with, as well as allowed the release of names of the youth offender if the individual is thought to be dangerous or harmful.
what is an act?
a collection of laws related to the same thing
what age group does YCJA apply to?
12-17 year-olds
what is YCJA a part of?
the safe streets and communities act
why does ignorance of law not absolve you of consequence?
because it is your responsibility as a Canadian citizen to know the rights and wrongs involved in law
what are the five goals of YCJA?
make youth accountable/responsible for their actions, rehabilitate youth to teach them how to behave and act within the community, reintegrate young offenders back into society, protect the public, and prevent crime.
what are youths’ legal rights?
they must know why they have been arrested, they can remain silent, they can talk to an adult (must be over the age of 18), they can be represented by a lawyer, and a trusted adult or parent can be present
do all youth that commit a crime go to court or jail?
no
what are some key things that a judge may consider in court when sentencing?
the offender’s age, history (criminal record), and attitude (signs of remorse), as well as the severity of the crime, the offenders personal circumstances, and how to best protect society
what happens when an offender does not go to court?
they get an extrajudicial measure
who makes the decision of the consequences when using extrajudicial measures?
police and elders
what does the offender have to do to qualify for an extrajudicial measure?
they must admit to the crime and be willing to participate in the program
what are 5 examples of an extrajudicial measure?
- issue an apology
- personal service
- aid the victim or other individuals
- community service
- help or work to better the community
- write an informed essay
- don’t to a related charity
- return or fix the item
- pay for damages (restitution)
- attend a program
- probation (supervised by a youth worker or officer)
what is the aim of an extrajudicial measure?
to hold a young person accountable without proceeding through the formal court process
why does YCJA try to keep youth out of court if possible?
because court is time-consuming and expensive
what are the four categories of offenses?
lest severe, summary offense, indictable offense, and presumptive offense
what crimes are considered as a ‘least severe’ offense?
minor vandalism or minor theft
when charged with a ‘least severe’ offense, how long does the criminal record last?
2 years from the completion of the sentence
what crimes are considered a summary offense?
theft under $5000 or minor property damage
how long does the criminal record last when charged with a summary offense?
3 years from the completion of the sentence
what crimes a considered an indictable offense?
any violent crime/action/assault, unauthorized possession of a firearm, theft over $5000, 3 or more summary offenses, or aggravated assault
when charged with an indictable offense, how long does the criminal record last?
5 years from the completion of the sentence
what is a presumptive offense?
a super-serious offense that presumes that the youth will be tried as an adult and move to an adult prin when they turn 18
what is the youngest age you can be charged with a presumptive offense?
14
how long does the criminal record last when you are charged with a presumptive offense?
5 years from the completion of the sentence
how long do adult sentences last on your criminal record?
forever