Youth and the Law/Age Related
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Are there other laws besides the Youth Criminal Justice Act that affect youth at the age of 12?
Yes, there are many laws that begin to affect children at the age of 12. For example, in Alberta and in most other Canadian provinces a child of 12 can
- consent to having his or her name changed;
- consent in writing to being adopted;
- apply for his or her own lawyer from Legal Aid;
- be employed with a parents written consent (subject to restricted activities and hours);
- give consent in some Child Welfare proceedings.
Why do these laws begin to apply at the age of 12?
There seems to be a consensus among experts in children's behaviour and development that at the age of 12, children are old enough to begin to make some of their own decisions and to foresee the logical consequences of their actions, so that they can begin to make choices and to be accountable for their choices.
What laws apply as children get older?
There are many laws which begin to apply. At age 14, children may begin to consent to some forms of sexual activity (for example, sexual activity with a partner who is less than 5 years older). However, in order for an accused person to use the consent of the child as a defence in criminal proceedings, the child must have been at least 16 years old at the time of the offence. In Alberta, a 14-year-old may apply for a learner's driving permit.
When can a child get a job?
In Alberta, a child may get a job without parental consent at the age of 16 although some restrictions still apply.
When can a child leave school?
In Alberta, and in most Canadian provinces, a child may leave school at the age of 16. At age 16, a child may also
- obtain a driver's licence;
- apply for a court order dispensing with parental consent to marry (a pregnant female may apply for this before age 16);
- enter into an independent living support arrangement with the government
What happens when a child reaches the age of 18?
At age 18, a person is no longer considered a child. He or she is now an adult with all of the rights and responsibilities that go with it. An 18-year-old adult may now, among many other things:
- vote;
- marry;
- enter into a contract; and
- sue others and be sued in his or her own name.
In some provinces, such as Alberta and Quebec, 18 is the legal drinking age. In the other provinces,such as B.C., the legal drinking age is 19.
See Also
| Other FAQs in this section | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age Related | Introduction | Arrest and Police | Extrajudicial Measures and Sanctions | Youth Court |
This page was last updated in April, 2008.
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