Introduction to Youth Justice (2:I): Difference between revisions

This information applies to British Columbia, Canada. Last reviewed for legal accuracy by the Law Students' Legal Advice Program on August 14, 2024.

LSLAP Manual
This page is from the Law Students' Legal Advice Program Manual. See the full contents.
LSLAP Manual
Introduction
Chapters
1. Criminal Law · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Etiquette · IV. Criminal Charges · V. Substantive Law · VI. Resolving Prior to Trial · VII. Pleading Not Guilty/Trial · VIII. Other Issues · IX. Charter of Rights and Freedoms · X. LSLAP Policies · XI. Information for LSLAP Students · XII. Etiquette for Law Students · XIII. Practice Recommendations · Appendix A: Initial Sentencing Position · Appendix B: Sample Information · Appendix C: Diversion Application · Appendix D: Sentencing Hearing · Appendix E: Trial Books · Appendix F: Glossary
2. Youth Justice · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Youth Criminal Justice Act · IV. Youth Justice Act · Appendix A: Glossary
3. Family Law · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Marriage · IV. Divorce · V. Uncontested Divorce · VI. Simple Divorce Procedure · VII. Alternatives to Divorce · VIII. Family Violence · IX. Assets · X. Spousal and Child Support · XI. Parenting Orders/Guardianship/Contact · XII. Children and the Law · XIII. Adoption · XIV. Name Changes · XV. Court Procedures · Appendix A: Glossary
4. Victims · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation · III. Crime Victim Assistance Program · IV. Avenues to Address Crime · V. Victims of Sexual Assault · VI. Victims of Relationship Violence · VII. Abuse of the Seniors & Disabled · VIII. Victims of Human Trafficking · IX. Missing Persons and Abductions · X. TIP & Restorative Justice · XI. Resources for Indigenous Victims · XII. Referrals and Follow-up
5. Public Complaints · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation & Resources · III. Review of Administrative Decisions · IV. Privacy or Access to Information · V. Police Conduct Complaints · VI. Security Guard Conduct Complaints · VII. The Right to Vote · VIII. Complaints & Appeals UBC · IX. Complaints & Appeals SFU · X. Complaints against Other Universities · XI. Complaints against Doctors · XII. Complaints against Lawyers · XIII. Complaints against other Professionals · XIV. LSLAP Program Information · Appendix A: Glossary · Appendix B: Sample Notice Letter
6. Human Rights · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. BC Human Rights Code · IV. Canadian Human Rights Act · V. BC Civil Rights Protection Act · VI. Rights of the Child · VII. LSLAP's Role · VIII. Indigenous Complainants · IX. Online Mediations & Hearings
7. Workers' Compensation · I. Introduction · II. Legislation, Policy & Guidelines · III. Introduction to Worker Compensation Claims · IV. LSLAP's Role at Initial Decision · V. Limitation Periods & Timing of Decisions · VI. Making a Claim · VII. The Claim Acceptance Process · VIII. Worker Status · IX. Disability and Causation · X. Time Limits & Procedures · XI. Claim Benefits · XII. Appeals · XIII. Health and Safety Regulations · XIV. Assessments of Employers · XV. WCB Fair Practices Office · Appendix A: Abbreviations · Appendix B: List of Cases · Appendix C: Referrals · Appendix D: Resources · Appendix E: Small Claims Flow Chart · Appendix F: Checklist for Interviews · Appendix G: Checklist for Appeals · Appendix H: Sample Authorization Form
8. Employment Insurance · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Qualifying for EI · IV. Types of Benefits · V. Benefit Period · VI. Quantifying Benefits · VII. Benefit Entitlement · VIII. Penalties, Violations, and Offences · IX. Keeping Out of Trouble · X. Timing for Reporting · XI. Overpayment and Collections · XII. Reconsideration · XIII. Social Security Tribunal · XIV. Appeals · XV. Judicial Review · XVI. LSLAP's Use of This Chapter · Appendix A: Initial Application Checklist
9. Employment Law · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Checklist · IV. Preliminary Matters · V. Employment Issues · VI. Remedies · VII. Strategies and Tips · Appendix A: Glossary
10. Creditors and Debtors · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Creditors' Remedies · IV. Debtors' Options · V. Dealing with Debt · Appendix A: Relevant Forms · Appendix B: Examination Checklist
11. Consumer Protection · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Contracts for Sale of Goods · IV. Consumer Protection · V. Direct Sales · VI. Conditional Sales Contracts & Security Agreements · VII. Motor Dealer Act · VIII. Miscellaneous · IX. Forum of Redress · X. Checklist for Consumer Transactions
12. Auto Insurance (ICBC) I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation & Resources · III. Enhanced Care System · IV. Optional Insurance · V. Seeking Legal Counsel · VI. Disputes with ICBC · VII. When You Can Still Sue · VIII. ICBC's Previous Autoplan Insurance System · IX. Limitation on Experts · X. Compulsory Coverage
13. Motor Vehicle Law · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation & Resources · III. At the Roadside · IV. Duties after a Collision · V. Violation Tickets · VI. Provincial Driving Offences · VII. Vehicle Impoundment · VIII. Superintendent of Motor Vehicle Prohibitions · IX. Alcohol & Drug Driving Offences · X. Federal Driving Offences · XI. Provincial Driving While Prohibited Offences · XII. ICBC Breaches · XIII. Bicycles & Motor Assisted Cycles · XIV. LSLAP Program Information · Appendix A: Penalty Points and Fines
14. Mental Health Law · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation & Resources · III. Theory and Approach · IV. Legal Rights · V. Patient Admission · VI. Consent to Medical Treatment · VII. Involuntarily Admitted Patients · VIII. Mental Health Act and Youth · IX. Criminal Code · X. Complaints · XI. References · XII. LSLAP Program Information
15. Adult Guardianship · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation · III. Mental Capacity · IV. Substitute Decision Making · V. Adult Guardianship · VI. Adult Abuse and Neglect · VII. Sources and Resources · Appendix A: EPOA · Appendix B: Decision Tree on Adult Abuse and Neglect
16. Wills and Estate Administration · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation & Resources · III. Making and Executing a Will · IV. Will Mistakes and Alterations · V. Court's Power · VI. Revocation · VII. Wills Variation Claims · VIII. Intestacy · IX. Property · X. Estate Administration · XI. Duties of Personal Representative · XII. Tax: RRSP & RRIF & TFSA · XIII. LSLAP Program Information · Appendix A: Will Instructions Questionnaire · Appendix B: Will Drafting and Execution Checklist · Appendix C: Glossary
17. Citizenship · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation & Resources · III. Who is a Canadian Citizen? · IV. Citizenship Advantages & Responsibilities · V. Citizenship Grants · VI. Applying for Citizenship Grant · VII. Loss and Renunciation of Citizenship · VIII. Proof of Citizenship · IX. Search of Citizenship Record · X. Referrals
18. Immigration Law · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation & Resources · III. Immigration Players · IV. Categories of Persons under IRPA · V. Applying for Permanent Residency · VI. Identification for PR · VII. Immigration and Refugee Board · VIII. Loss of PR Status · IX. In-Canada Temporary Residence Matters · X. Removal Orders · XI. Appeals · XII. Offences · XIII. Immigration Issues at Sentencing · XIV. Contacts
19. Landlord and Tenant Law · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation · III. Residential Tenancy Act & Laws · IV. Tenancy Agreements · V. Moving In & Moving Out · VI. Security Deposits · VII. Repair & Service · VIII. Rent Increase · IX. Tenant's Rights · X. Subletting & Assignment · XI. Termination & Eviction · XII. Dispute Resolution · XIII. Common Law · XIV. Strata & Condos · XV. Assisted Living · XVI. Manufactured Homes · XVII. Guidelines & Resources
20. Small Claims and the CRT · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation & Resources · III. Do You Have a Claim? · IV. Choosing the Proper Forum · V. Starting a Claim · VI. Responding to a Claim · VII. Default Order · VIII. How a Claim Proceeds · IX. Pre-Trial Applications · X. Mediation · XI. Settlement Conferences · XII. Trial & Pre-Trial Conferences · XIII. Trial Preparation · XIV. Trials · XV. Costs and Penalties · XVI. Appeals · XVII. Enforcement of a Judgement · XVIII. LSLAP Program Information · Appendix A: Registries · Appendix B: Demand Letter · Appendix C: Notice of Claim · Appendix D: Reply to Claim · Appendix E: Glossary · Appendix F: Limitation Periods · Appendix G: Causes of Action · Appendix H: Court Fees · Appendix I: Tribunal Fees · Appendix J: Settlement Conference · Appendix K: Payment Hearing · Appendix L: Appeal
21. Welfare Law · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation & Resources · III. Eligibility · IV. Special Situations · V. Eligibility Factors · VI. Hardship Assistance · VII. Overpayments & Fraud · VIII. Rates & Payment Issues · IX. Additional Allowances & Benefits · X. Health Supplements · XI. Appeals
22. Strata Law · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation · III. Strata Concept · IV. Strata Plan · V. Common Property & Assets · VI. Governance · VII. Management · VIII. Finances · IX. Collections · X. Bylaws & Rules · XI. Rentals & Accommodations · XII. Privacy · XIII. Insurance · XIV. Repair & Maintenance · XV. Dispute Resolution · XVI. Recourse to the Courts
23. Referrals · I. General · II. Family Law & Women · III. Residential Tenancy · IV. Human Rights · V. Wills & Estates · VI. Immigration & Refugee · VII. Disability · VIII. Employment · IX. Debt · X. Indigenous · XI. Police Complaints · XII. Chinese Language · XIII. Others
v • d • e

The Youth Criminal Justice Act, SC 2002, c 1 (“YCJA”) was enacted on April 1, 2003 after decades of evolution in how the legal system understands young persons. The YCJA recognizes that youths have rights under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (“Charter”), the Canadian Bill of Rights SC 1960, c 44, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (“UNCRC”). The YCJA aims to establish a youth criminal justice system which upholds those rights, while still performing its fundamental purpose of protecting the public.

Section 3 of the YCJA sets out the following guiding principles for the youth criminal justice system:

Protecting the public by holding youth accountable, promoting young persons’ rehabilitation, and utilizing community crime prevention programs (s 3(1)(a));
Separating the youth criminal justice system from the adult system, to recognize youths’ “diminished moral blameworthiness or culpability” for their actions (s. 3(1)(b));
Promoting “fair and proportionate accountability” by taking measures against young persons which respect societal values, repair harm, account for young persons’ individual circumstances, and respect their social and cultural statuses (s 3(1)(c)); and
Recognizing the unique rights of all parties involved in the youth criminal justice system, including young persons, victims, and parents (s 3(1)(d)).

The YCJA encourages judges to impose non-custodial sentences on young persons where it is consistent with the general principles. Custodial sentences are not prohibited under the YCJA but are meant to be imposed only after a sentencing judge has considered all other alternatives (s 39). Sentences generally include educating the offender about the impact of their crime and focusing on repairing the damage or paying back society in a constructive manner.

Victims play a significant role in the youth criminal justice system. While victims have no formal rights per se, as they are not a party to criminal proceedings, the YCJA mandates that victims be “treated with courtesy, compassion, and respect for their dignity and privacy” (s (3)(1)(d)(ii)). Victims must also be kept informed on the process, have the opportunity to participate and be heard in the process, and be minimally inconvenienced by their participation in the process (s (3)(1)(d)(ii)-(iii)).

In some respects, BC legislation dealing with victims of crime has already incorporated a number of these principles, particularly in the Victims of Crime Act, RSBC 1996, c 478. Federally, the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights, SC 2015, c 13, s 2 (“CVBR”) guarantees various rights for victims of crime, including the right to information about the criminal justice system and their right to have their security and privacy considered by the appropriate authorities in the criminal justice system. For more information on victims’ rights, and resources for victims of crime see Chapter 4: Victims.

LSLAP Manual

Introduction

Acknowledgements

Chapters 1-7
Criminal Law · Youth Justice · Family Law · Victims · Public Complaints · Human Rights · Workers Compensation

Chapter One: Criminal Law	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Etiquette · IV. Criminal Charges · V. Substantive Law · VI. Resolving Prior to Trial · VII. Pleading Not Guilty/Trial · VIII. Other Issues · IX. Charter of Rights and Freedoms · X. LSLAP Policies · XI. Information for LSLAP Students · XII. Etiquette for Law Students · XIII. Practice Recommendations · Appendix A: Initial Sentencing Position · Appendix B: Sample Information · Appendix C: Diversion Application · Appendix D: Sentencing Hearing · Appendix E: Trial Books · Appendix F: Glossary

Chapter Two: Youth Justice	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Criminal Offences: Youth Criminal Justice Act · IV. Provincial Offences: Youth Justice Act · Appendix A: Glossary

Chapter Three: Family Law	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Marriage · IV. Divorce · V. Uncontested Divorce · VI. Simple Divorce Procedure · VII. Alternatives to Divorce · VIII. Family Violence · IX. Assets · X. Spousal and Child Support · XI. Parenting Orders/Guardianship/Contact · XII. Children and the Law · XIII. Adoption · XIV. Name Changes · XV. Court Procedures · Appendix A: Glossary

Chapter Four: Victims	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation · III. Crime Victim Assistance Program · IV. Avenues to Address Crime · V. Victims of Sexual Assault · VI. Victims of Relationship Violence · VII. Abuse and Neglect of Seniors or Those with Disabilities · VIII. Victims of Human Trafficking · IX. Missing Persons and Abductions · X. Trauma Informed Practice and Restorative Justice · XI. Resources for Indigenous Victims · XII. Referrals and Follow-up

Chapter Five: Public Complaints	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Review of Administrative Decisions · IV. Privacy or Access to Information · V. Complaints Concerning Police Conduct · VI. Complaints against Security Guards · VII. The Right to Vote · VIII. Complaints and Appeals UBC · IX. Complaints and Appeals SFU · X. Complaints Against Other Colleges and Universities · XI. Complaints against Doctors · XII. Complaints against Lawyers · XIII. Complaints against other Professionals · XIV. LSLAP Program Information · Appendix A: Glossary · Appendix B: Sample Notice Letter

Chapter Six: Human Rights	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. BC Human Rights Code · IV. Canadian Human Rights Act · V. BC Civil Rights Protection Act · VI. Rights of the Child · VII. LSLAP's Role in Human Rights Proceedings · VIII. Alternative Processes for Indigenous Complainants · IX. Online Mediations & Hearings

Chapter Seven: Workers' Compensation	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation, Policy & Guidelines · III. Introduction to Compensation Claims for Injured Workers · IV. LSLAP's Role at the Initial Decision Level · V. Limitation Periods and Timing of Decisions · VI. Making a Claim · VII. The Claim Acceptance Process · VIII. Worker Status · IX. Disability and Causation · X. Time Limits and Procedures · XI. Claim Benefits · XII. Appeals · XIII. Health and Safety Regulations · XIV. Assessments of Employers · XV. The WCB Fair Practices Office · Appendix A: Abbreviations · Appendix B: List of Cases · Appendix C: Referrals · Appendix D: Resources · Appendix E: Small Claims Flow Chart · Appendix F: Checklist for Interviews · Appendix G: Checklist for Appeals · Appendix H: Sample Authorization Form

Chapters 8-14
Employment Insurance · Employment Law · Creditors and Debtors · Consumer Protection · Auto Insurance (ICBC) · Motor Vehicle Law · Mental Health Law

Chapter Eight: Employment Insurance	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Qualifying for EI · IV. Types of Benefits · V. Benefit Period · VI. Quantifying Benefits · VII. Benefit Entitlement · VIII. Penalties, Violations, and Offences · IX. Keeping Out of Trouble · X. Timing for Reporting · XI. Overpayment and Collections · XII. Reconsideration · XIII. Social Security Tribunal · XIV. Appeals · XV. Judicial Review · XVI. LSLAP's Use of This Chapter · Appendix A: Initial Application Checklist

Chapter Nine: Employment Law	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Checklist · IV. Preliminary Matters · V. Employment Issues · VI. Remedies · VII. Strategies and Tips · Appendix A: Glossary

Chapter Ten: Creditors' Remedies and Debtors' Assistance	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Creditors' Remedies · IV. Debtors' Options · V. Dealing with Debt · Appendix A: Relevant Forms · Appendix B: Examination Checklist

Chapter Eleven: Consumer Protection	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Contracts for Sale of Goods · IV. Consumer Protection · V. Direct Sales · VI. Conditional Sales Contracts and Security Agreements · VII. Motor Dealer Act · VIII. Miscellaneous · IX. Forum of Redress · X. Checklist for Consumer Transactions

Chapter Twelve: Auto Insurance (ICBC)	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. ICBC Enhanced Care System (Current Model) · IV. ICBC Enhanced Care System and Optional Insurance · V. Seeking Legal Counsel · VI. Disputes with ICBC · VII. When You Can Still Sue · VIII. ICBC's Autoplan Insurance System (Prior System) · IX. Limitation on Experts · X. Basic Compulsory Autoplan Coverage

Chapter Thirteen: Motor Vehicle Law	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. At the Roadside · IV. Duties after a Collision · V. Violation Tickets · VI. Provincial Driving Offences · VII. Vehicle Impoundment · VIII. Superintendent of Motor Vehicle Prohibitions · IX. Alcohol and Drug Driving Offences · X. Federal Driving Offences · XI. Provincial Offence of Driving While Prohibited · XII. ICBC Breaches · XIII. Bicycles and Motor Assisted Cycles · XIV. LSLAP Program Information · Appendix A: Penalty Points and Fines

Chapter Fourteen: Mental Health Law	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Theory and Approach · IV. Legal Rights · V. Patient Admission · VI. Consent to Medical Treatment · VII. Involuntarily Admitted Patients · VIII. Mental Health Act and Youth · IX. Criminal Code · X. Complaints · XI. References · XII. LSLAP Program Information

Chapters 15-23
Adult Guardianship and Substitute Decision-Making · Wills and Estates · Citizenship · Immigration · Landlord and Tenant Rights · Small Claims · Welfare Law · Strata Law · Referrals

Chapter Fifteen: Adult Guardianship and Substitute Decision-Making	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation · III. Mental Capacity · IV. Substitute Decision Making · V. Adult Guardianship · VI. Adult Abuse and Neglect · VII. Sources and Resources · Appendix A: EPOA · Appendix B: Decision Tree on Adult Abuse and Neglect

Chapter Sixteen: Wills and Estate Administration	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Making and Executing a Will · IV. Will Mistakes and Alterations · V. Court's Power · VI. Revocation · VII. Wills Variation Claims · VIII. Intestacy · IX. Property · X. Estate Administration · XI. Duties of a Personal Representative · XII. Taxation: RRSP & RRIF & TFSA · XIII. LSLAP Program Information · Appendix A: Will Instructions Questionnaire · Appendix B: Will Drafting and Execution Checklist · Appendix C: Glossary

Chapter Seventeen: Citizenship	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Who is a Canadian Citizen? · IV. Advantages & Responsibilities of Citizenship · V. Citizenship Grants · VI. Applying for Citizenship Grant · VII. Loss and Renunciation of Citizenship · VIII. Proof of Citizenship · IX. Search of Citizenship Record · X. Referrals

Chapter Eighteen: Immigration Law	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Immigration Players · IV. Categories of Persons under IRPA · V. Applying for Permanent Residency · VI. Identification for PR · VII. Immigration and Refugee Board · VIII. Loss of PR Status · IX. In-Canada Temporary Residence Matters · X. Removal Orders · XI. Appeals · XII. Offences · XIII. Immigration Issues at Sentencing · XIV. Contacts

Chapter Nineteen: Landlord and Tenant Law	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation · III. Residential Tenancy Act & Laws · IV. Tenancy Agreements · V. Moving In & Moving Out · VI. Security Deposits · VII. Repair & Service · VIII. Rent Increase · IX. Tenant's Rights · X. Subletting & Assignment · XI. Termination & Eviction · XII. Dispute Resolution · XIII. Common Law · XIV. Strata & Condos · XV. Assisted Living · XVI. Manufactured Homes · XVII. Guidelines & Resources

Chapter Twenty: Small Claims and the CRT	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Do You Have a Claim? · IV. Choosing the Proper Forum · V. Starting a Claim · VI. Responding to a Claim · VII. Default Order · VIII. How a Claim Proceeds · IX. Pre-Trial Applications · X. Mediation · XI. Settlement Conferences · XII. Trial/Pre-Trial Conferences · XIII. Trial Preparation · XIV. Trials · XV. Costs and Penalties · XVI. Appeals · XVII. Enforcement of a Judgement · XVIII. LSLAP Program Information · Appendix A: Registries · Appendix B: Demand Letter · Appendix C: Notice of Claim · Appendix D: Reply to Claim · Appendix E: Glossary · Appendix F: Limitation Periods · Appendix G: Causes of Action · Appendix H: Court Fees · Appendix I: Tribunal Fees · Appendix J: Settlement Conference · Appendix K: Payment Hearing · Appendix L: Appeal

Chapter Twenty One: Welfare Law	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Eligibility · IV. Special Situations · V. Eligibility Factors · VI. Hardship Assistance · VII. Overpayments and Fraud · VIII. Rates and Payment Issues · IX. Additional Allowances and Benefits · X. Health Supplements · XI. Appeals

Chapter Twenty Two: Strata Law	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation · III. Strata Concept · IV. Strata Plan · V. Common Property and Assets · VI. Governance · VII. Management · VIII. Finances · IX. Collections · X. Bylaws and Rules · XI. Rentals and Accommodations · XII. Privacy · XIII. Insurance · XIV. Repair and Maintenance · XV. Dispute Resolution · XVI. Recourse to the Courts

Chapter Twenty Three: Referrals	I. General · II. Family Law & Women · III. Residential Tenancy · IV. Human Rights · V. Wills & Estates · VI. Immigration & Refugee · VII. Disability · VIII. Employment · IX. Debt · X. Indigenous · XI. Police Complaints · XII. Chinese Language · XIII. Others

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+{{REVIEWED LSLAP | date= August 14, 2024}}
 {{LSLAP Manual TOC|expanded = youth}}
-== A. Recent History ==
+The ''Youth Criminal Justice Act'', SC 2002, c 1 (“''YCJA''”) was enacted on April 1, 2003 after decades of evolution in how the legal system understands young persons.  The YCJA recognizes that youths have rights under the ''Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms'' (“''Charter''”), the ''Canadian Bill of Rights'' SC 1960, c 44, and the United Nations ''Convention on the Rights of the Child'' (“UN''CRC''”).  The ''YCJA'' aims to establish a youth criminal justice system which upholds those rights, while still performing its fundamental purpose of protecting the public.
-As of April 1, 2003, the Youth Criminal Justice Act, SC 2002, c 1 [“''YCJA''”] came into effect.  The ''YCJA'' represents the culmination of nearly a century of evolution in how the legal system understands young offenders.  The ''YCJA'' recognizes that youths have rights under the ''Charter, the Canadian Bill of Rights'' SC 1960, c 44, and the ''United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child'' [“''UNCRC''”], which Canada signed and ratified in the early 1990s.
-The ''YCJA'' focuses on three key objectives to better protect the public (''YCJA'', s 3):
+Section 3 of the ''YCJA'' sets out the following guiding principles for the youth criminal justice system:
+*Protecting the public by holding youth accountable, promoting young persons’ rehabilitation, and utilizing community crime prevention programs (s 3(1)(a));
+*Separating the youth criminal justice system from the adult system, to recognize youths’ “diminished moral blameworthiness or culpability” for their actions (s. 3(1)(b));
+*Promoting “fair and proportionate accountability” by taking measures against young persons which respect societal values, repair harm, account for young persons’ individual circumstances, and respect their social and cultural statuses (s 3(1)(c)); and
+*Recognizing the unique rights of all parties involved in the youth criminal justice system, including young persons, victims, and parents (s 3(1)(d)).
-# preventing youth crime by addressing underlying causes;
+The ''YCJA'' encourages judges to impose non-custodial sentences on young persons where it is consistent with the general principles.  Custodial sentences are not prohibited under the ''YCJA'' but are meant to be imposed only after a sentencing judge has considered all other alternatives (s 39). Sentences generally include educating the offender about the impact of their crime and focusing on repairing the damage or paying back society in a constructive manner.
-# meaningful consequences for offences; and
-# increased focus on rehabilitation and reintegration for youth returning to the community.
-The ''YCJA'' also encourages judges to impose non-custodial sentences on young persons who are found guilty under the Act where it is consistent with the general principles.  This does not mean that it seeks to prohibit custodial sentences, but rather to ensure that custodial sentences are the last option.
+Victims play a significant role in the youth criminal justice system.  While victims have no formal rights per se, as they are not a party to criminal proceedings, the ''YCJA'' mandates that victims be “treated with courtesy, compassion, and respect for their dignity and privacy” (s (3)(1)(d)(ii)).  Victims must also be kept informed on the process, have the opportunity to participate and be heard in the process, and be minimally inconvenienced by their participation in the process (s (3)(1)(d)(ii)-(iii)).
-Victims play a significant role in the process.  While victims have no rights per se as they are not a party to criminal proceedings, the ''YCJA'' holds that victims will be heard and treated with courtesy, compassion, and respect for their privacy, and be minimally inconvenienced.  Also, consequences will include educating the offender about the impact of the crime and focusing on repairing the damage or paying back society in a constructive fashion.  In some respects, BC legislation dealing with victims of crime has already incorporated a number of these principles, particularly in the ''Victims of Crime Act'', RSBC 1996, c 478.  In 2015, Parliament enacted the ''Canadian Victims Bill of Rights'', SC 2015, c 13, s 2 (“''CVBR''”).  The Act guarantees victims of crime various rights, including the right to information about the criminal justice system, their rights as victims of crime, and their right to have their security and privacy considered by the appropriate authorities in the criminal justice system.  For more information on victims’ rights, and resources for victims of crime see '''[[Introduction_to_Law_for_Victims_of_Crime_(4:I)|Chapter 4: Victims]]'''.
+In some respects, BC legislation dealing with victims of crime has already incorporated a number of these principles, particularly in the [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/96478_01#:~:text=2%20All%20justice%20system%20personnel,orientation%2C%20political%20belief%20or%20age. ''Victims of Crime Act'', RSBC 1996, c 478]. Federally, the  [https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/c-23.7/page-1.html. ''Canadian Victims Bill of Rights'', SC 2015, c 13, s 2 (“''CVBR''”)] guarantees various rights for victims of crime, including the right to information about the criminal justice system and their right to have their security and privacy considered by the appropriate authorities in the criminal justice system.  For more information on victims’ rights, and resources for victims of crime see '''Chapter 4: Victims'''.
-The ''YCJA'' was amended by Bill C-10 (“''The Safe Streets and Communities Act''”) on October 23, 2012. One change to the ''YCJA'' in Bill C-10 is that individual deterrence and denunciation of unlawful conduct were added as a sentencing principle.  It also sets out that youths are presumed to have diminished moral culpability or blameworthiness in comparison to adult offenders.  Furthermore, Bill C-10 states that the youth justice system is intended to protect the public by holding young persons convicted of offences accountable through using proportionate measures, promoting rehabilitation and reintegration, and preventing crime by directing youths to programs that address underlying causes of their actions.  Bill C-10 also sets out definitions for a “serious offence” and a “violent offence” which are broader than previous definitions given in the case law.
-The ''YCJA'' was further amended by Bill C-75, passed on June 21, 2019. On September 19, 2019 the first amendments to the ''YCJA'' came into force. Firstly it repealed section 64(1.1) and (1.2) of the ''YCJA'', which required the Attorney General to determine whether to seek an adult sentence in certain cases and if the Attorney General decides not to make an application, to advise the youth justice court (bill section 376). Secondly it repealed section 75 and 110(2)(b), which required the court to decide whether to lift a ban on publishing the identity of a young person who is convicted of a violent offence (bill sections 377 and 379).  Changes that came into effect on December 18, 2019 mainly decrease the number of charges for administration of justice offences (e.g. breach of conditions) and incarceration rates related to those offences when no harm to society has been done. The changes include a new assumption of the appropriateness of extrajudicial measures in certain breach of condition/failure to appear charges and an increase in the threshold for holding young offenders in custody for breach of conditions. In cases where extrajudicial measures may not be appropriate, judicial referral hearings at the bail stage or judicial reviews of youth sentences are recommended. Bill C-75 also include changes that explicitly require imposed bail conditions to be appropriately related to the nature of the offence, the protection or safety of the public, victims, witnesses and that the offender will be reasonably able to comply with them, and that they not be a “substitute for appropriate child protection, mental health or other social measures”.
-{{REVIEWED LSLAP | date= July 29, 2020}}
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Introduction to Youth Justice (2:I): Difference between revisions

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