Youth Justice Court Trials: Difference between revisions
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==Alternatives to trial== | ==Alternatives to trial== | ||
The ''Youth Criminal Justice Act'' (available at http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca) is a law that controls how criminal law applies to young people accused of breaking a federal law. The Act deals only with young people who are at least 12 years old and not yet 18. For some types of offences, the Act has a procedure called “extrajudicial measures” or “diversion” because offenders are diverted (or taken) out of the youth criminal justice system. Instead of going to court where a judge decides if you are guilty, you can take responsibility for your actions and avoid a trial. | The ''[http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/Y-1.5/index.html Youth Criminal Justice Act]'' (available at http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca) is a law that controls how criminal law applies to young people accused of breaking a federal law. The Act deals only with young people who are at least 12 years old and not yet 18. For some types of offences, the Act has a procedure called “extrajudicial measures” or “diversion” because offenders are diverted (or taken) out of the youth criminal justice system. Instead of going to court where a judge decides if you are guilty, you can take responsibility for your actions and avoid a trial. | ||
Your lawyer can apply to the prosecutor for you to take part in a diversion program. Usually, you have to admit in writing that you are guilty and then pay for your crime by doing community service and apologizing to the victim. Often, you apologize by writing a letter to the victim. | Your lawyer can apply to the prosecutor for you to take part in a diversion program. Usually, you have to admit in writing that you are guilty and then pay for your crime by doing community service and apologizing to the victim. Often, you apologize by writing a letter to the victim. | ||
