Why is there a special Act to deal with young persons between ages 12 and 17?

The Youth Criminal Justice Act starts from the idea that young people should be held responsible for their actions, but that they are still children who make mistakes and should be given the opportunity to mature, learn from their mistakes, accept the consequences of their actions, and make amends. Thus, they should be treated differently from adults who are expected to understand and be fully accountable for their actions.

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May 2003 More Youth Criminal Justice Act FAQs:

• Introduction
• Arrest / Police
• Extrajudicial Measures
• Extrajudicial Sanctions
• Youth Court

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