When I go to Youth Justice Court, who will be there?

• A Youth Justice Court Judge will be in charge in the courtroom. The judge will decide if you are guilty of the charge against you, and give the sentence if you are convicted.
• A Court Clerk handles the paperwork, calls the cases in turn, reads the offence you are charged with to you, gives oaths to the witnesses, and assists the judge.
• A Court Reporter takes notes of everything that witnesses say in the courtroom, and prepares a written record.
• You and your parent will be there, as well as any witnesses who will be giving evidence in your case.
• A Crown Prosecutor, a lawyer who works for the government, must try and prove that you are guilty of the offence you are charged with.
• Your lawyer, the Defence Counsel, will be there too. His or her job is to protect your rights and defend you against the charge against you.
• The courts in Canada are generally open to everyone, so members of the public may be there, watching and listening to the proceedings.

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January 2004

More Youth Criminal Justice Act FAQs:

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

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