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Difference between revisions of "Young People and the Law"

From Clicklaw Wikibooks
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Sometimes children break the law.  
Sometimes children break the law.  


The Canadian justice system recognizes that youth crime and adult crime need to be dealt with differently. Someone age 18 or older who commits a crime is dealt with under the ''Criminal Code''. For children from 12 to 17 years old, there is a special law called the ''Youth Criminal Justice Act''. It says:
The Canadian justice system recognizes that youth crime and adult crime need to be dealt with differently. Someone age 18 or older who commits a crime is dealt with under the ''Criminal Code''. For children from 12 to 17 years old, there is a special law called the [https://www.canlii.org/en/ca/laws/stat/sc-2002-c-1/latest/ ''Youth Criminal Justice Act'']. It says:
* The public has the right to be protected from young people's crimes.  
* The public has the right to be protected from young people's crimes.  
* Young people who break the law should be held responsible for their actions. They need to understand that what they did caused harm to the community. At the same time, they need help to learn how to stay out of trouble and to contribute to the community in a positive way.  
* Young people who break the law should be held responsible for their actions. They need to understand that what they did caused harm to the community. At the same time, they need help to learn how to stay out of trouble and to contribute to the community in a positive way.  
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Often, young people are afraid to say no or to leave the gang. They are afraid the gang will hurt them or their family.  
Often, young people are afraid to say no or to leave the gang. They are afraid the gang will hurt them or their family.  


There are supports for youth, as explained in the BC government’s booklet ''Preventing Youth Involvement in Gangs''.  
There are supports for youth, as explained in the BC government’s booklet ''Preventing Youth Involvement in Gangs''.


== Rules about driving ==
== Rules about driving ==
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