PSYC 100 Lecture Notes - Lecture 10: Youth Criminal Justice Act, Young Offenders Act, Police Caution

• School: McGill University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 100
• Professor: Jens C Pruessner

Document Summary

Before 1892: no disincion between youth and adults in the criminal legislaion. 1892: criminal code amended so that children tried privately and separately. 1984: young ofenders act (ofenders are more accountable, min age raised from 7 to 12, max age is 17, criicism: courts overrun, too much grace) Age: 0-11 years: classiicaion: child, responsibility: none. Age: 12-17 years: classiicaion: youth, responsibility: parial. Age: 18+ years: classiicaion: adult, responsibility: full. Objecive is to reduce the number of young people appearing in court. Youth must accept some responsibility for the crime although it is not guilt. Youth sill have the right to consult a lawyer before they take part in the program. Taking no further acion and returning the youth to his or her parents or guardian. Giving an informal warning, and explaining the consequences of the behaviour. Giving a formal police cauion indicaing the seriousness of the ofence (eg. speaking with the youth and his or her parents about the ofence)