The Youth Justice Court (a division of Provincial Court) is for criminal cases for young people under the age of 18 when the alleged crime happened. A judge listens to the evidence and decides if the youth is guilty or not guilty.
How does youth court work Canada?
Youth justice courts are specialized courts set up to handle only cases involving young persons. They are held in specially designated courtrooms in the courthouse in your community. Youth justice courts, like all Canadian courts, are open to the public and members of the media.
What crimes does the Youth Court deal with?
A youth court deals with cases like:
- theft and burglary.
- anti-social behaviour.
- drugs offences.
How does a youth court work?
Youth courts are just like any other court in the country but they deal with specific cases where young people have continued to offend and must be give more strenuous sentences than the police can impose. The youth court is different from other courts in that there is no public gallery.
What is considered youth in Canadian law?
The Youth Criminal Justice Act ( YCJA ) governs the prosecution of young persons aged 12 to 17 who are alleged to have committed criminal offences.
What sentences are given in youth courts?
Sentences can be spent in secure children’s homes, secure training centres and young offender institutions. If a child or young person between 12 and 17 years old is sentenced in the youth court, they could be given a Detention and Training Order. This can last between four months and two years.
What is the maximum sentence for youth in Canada?
Sentencing Options
The maximum length of youth sentences ranges from two to ten years, depending on the offence committed and the type of sentence imposed. Under the YCJA, custody sentences are intended primarily for violent offenders and serious repeat offenders.
What power does the youth court have?
A Youth Court can order a range of sentences including: Absolute and conditional discharges. Ancillary orders. Criminal Behaviour Orders.
What happens when a youth is charged?
Similar to adults, youth accused will be fingerprinted and have their mugshot taken by the police under the Identification of Criminals Act. They also face punishments of jail and probation upon conviction and can receive an adult criminal record.
What are the 4 types of cases that are typically handled in a juvenile court?
Although courts with juvenile jurisdiction handle a variety of cases, including abuse, neglect, adoption, and traffic violations, the Juvenile Court Statistics series focuses on the disposition of delinquency cases and formally pro- cessed status offense cases.
What is the purpose of youth custody?
The Youth Custody Service aims to create a safe, decent and nurturing environment that provides outstanding levels of care and support for all children in custody. YCS is an executive agency, sponsored by HM Prison and Probation Service.
What is youth court called?
A juvenile court, also known as young offender’s court or children’s court, is a tribunal having special authority to pass judgements for crimes that are committed by children who have not attained the age of majority.
What is the youngest age to go to juvenile court?
The juvenile offender must be at least 14 years old. On/after 16 and alleged to have committed act that would constitute felony if committed by adult under certain circumstances.
Can a youth go to jail in Canada?
In Canada, young people can be held responsible for a crime as of age 12. So, police can arrest a teenager if they think that the teen committed a crime (for example, theft, assault, drug possession or trafficking).
Can youth be charged in Canada?
Even if the youth turns 18 before their trial or sentencing, they will still be tried or may be sentenced as a youth under the YCJA. When a crime is very serious or the judge decides a youth needs to be in an adult correctional facility, a judge may decide to sentence the youth as an adult.
At what age can someone be called youth?
15 and 24 years
Who Are the Youth? There is no universally agreed international definition of the youth age group. For statistical purposes, however, the United Nations—without prejudice to any other definitions made by Member States—defines ‘youth’ as those persons between the ages of 15 and 24 years.
What are the three main things the judge must consider when sentencing a youth?
pre-sentence custody, previous findings of guilt of the youth, and. aggravating and mitigating circumstances.
Can you appeal from the Youth Court?
There is no power to review sentences made in the youth court other than by means of case stated or a judicial review. Parents can, in addition, appeal against orders made against them in youth court proceedings: an order to pay a financial penalty on behalf of their child, a parental bind over or Parenting Order.
What is the most common sentence given to juvenile offenders?
Probation
Probation is perhaps the most common penalty in the juvenile justice system. Judges have considerable discretion to set the terms of probation. These may be specific to the circumstances of the case.
How long does a youth criminal record last in Canada?
Having a criminal record can prevent a youth from travelling outside of Canada or studying at some universities. The convicted youth will usually have a record for 3 to 5 years after his or her last youth sentence is over. Sometimes the record is kept longer if the offence was very serious.
What crimes get 10 years in jail Canada?
Violence-related offences
| Offence | Code Section | Maximum (Indictable) |
|---|---|---|
| Assault with a weapon | 267(1)(a) | 10 years jail |
| Assault causing bodily harm | 267(1)(b) | 10 years jail |
| Aggravated Assault | 268 | 14 years jail |
| Assault Peace Officer | 270 | 5 years jail |