Chapter 2To What Extent is the Justice System

Fair and Equitable for Youth?

TermsFair and Equitable

Governed by rules that apply to everyone, taking into account individual needs and circumstances

JusticeApplying laws

Justice SystemThe institution and procedures for applying

laws in a society

Class DiscussionWhy is Justice often portrayed as blind?

Pg 57Read Beverly Mclauchlin’s remarks

What challenges is she referring to?Do you agree with her statement “nothing is

more important then justice”? Why or why not?

What's to come- pg 60What are we hoping to learn this chapter?

What questions do I need to be able to answer?

Read “inside the Justice System” comicWhat factors had the biggest impact on this

young offenders change of attitude?What life lessons can we learn from her story?

How are Youth and Adult Justice Different in Canada?Canada has different legislation for youth and

adults who break the law

Youth Criminal Justice Act

Criminal Code of Canada

Young Offenders

Adult Offenders

Youth Criminal Justice ActDeals with 12-17 year olds in trouble with the

lawAllows some young offenders to face

consequences such as counseling and community service

Prohibits adult sentencing for 12-14 year olds. Allows adult sentencing for young people 14 and up who have committed serious crimes

Protects the privacy of young offendersNews media cannot publish names unless they

receive and adult sentenceAllows most young offenders to avoid a

criminal record

Criminal Code of CanadaDeals with adults in trouble with the lawMakes going to court the usual consequenceDefines adult sentences, which can include

periods of imprisonment for some crimesAllows the publication of the offenders nameCreates a criminal record

Time to think…..How might a criminal record affect your quality of life?

Flow Chart- Pg 66What are the consequences if you break the

law as a young offender?Before the YCJA, every young person who

broke the law charged and went to court. This meant that often:Young offenders did not face consequences for

a long time as courts are very busyThe consequences did not always connect back

to the communities affected

Factors that Determine Consequences for Young OffendersLets read and summarize pg. 68

Objectives of the YCJA1. Prevent crime by addressing the

circumstances underlying young persons offending behaviorEx. ?????

2. Rehabilitate young offenders and reintegrate them into societyEx. ??

3. ensure that the young person is subject to meaningful consequences for the offence in order to promote long term protection of societyEx. ?????

4. The YCJA must recognize that young people are separate from adults and have reduced levels of maturityEx. ????

Is it Working?Analyze the graph on pg 71Based on your knowledge and the graph, do

you think that the number of crimes committed by youth in this country has been reduced because of the YCJA?

Complete objectives of the YCJA worksheet

Political CartoonsPolitical cartoons convey an opinion about a topic.They are a type of persuasive communicationCartoons have to be analyzed to understand their

message.Political Cartoon worksheet

What Role do Citizens and Organizations Play in the

fairness and equity of Canada's Justice System for

Youth?

Responsibilities of a JurorUnder the YCJA, a person under the age of 14 may

choose to tried by a judge and jury for certain serious crimes

For these offences, juries must have 12 people and all 12 must agree on a verdict

Anyone 18 yrs of age and older and is a Canadian citizen is eligible for jury duty with some exceptions what might these exceptions be?

Jury duty is considered a duty 0f Canadian citizensIf you are summoned, you must make any and all

arrangement to be at the courthouseEmployers must give you time off

You can be excused if you can prove it will cause you hardship

Its important to remember that a jury does not have to come to a verdict that the judge or members of the public must agree withThey must remain impartial, regardless of the

issueJury selection is a very important part of the

justice process. Both sides of a case must agree on who will part of the jury. Ex. Member of KKK as a member of the OJ Simpson

trial

Juror termsThese terms can be found on pg 79. read,

summarize, and put into your notesDefenseProsecutionSequester

Justice Advocacy GroupsThese organizations work independently from

the government. They try to solve the underlying reasons for crime

They Provide public education about the YCJA and the Criminal Code of Canada

They help people who have broken the law return to their communities

They stand up for the rights of youths and adults accused of crimes

John Howard SocietyWorks with men, women, boys, and girls in

trouble with the lawWhat does Brad Olsen have to say about the

importance of the John Howard Society?- pg 82

Read handout and answer questions

Elizabeth Fry SocietyFocuses on justice issues for women and girlsWhat does Jacqueline Biollo have to say

about the society and its role?To what extent do both societies agree on

what goals the justice system should have?

The Role of EldersSometimes the fate of a youth can be decided

by a committee of elders- people in the community who are older and respected. An elder is someone that the youth in that community should look up to and strive to be like.

Chapter 2 AssignmentYCJA Multimedia Presentation