Activity 2 page 2

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In 2003, the federal government passed the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA). The YCJA sets out the consequences for young offenders. The intention of this act is to treat young offenders differently than adult criminals in the justice system.


The Youth Criminal Justice Act has four main objectives that strive for fair and equitable justice for youth.

Examine "What are the objectives of the YCJA?" on pages 70 and 71 of your textbook, Issues for Canadians, to see what the YCJA says and what each objective means.

Complete the YCJA activity by clicking on one of the links below.

YCJA (Word)
YCJA (pdf)
YCJA (Google Doc)

Save your completed handout to your Activities folder.

There are four articles discussing youth crime under the title, "Are the consequences for young offenders appropriate?" on pages 72 and 73 of your textbook, Issues for Canadians. Public opinion may not always agree with the objectives of the YCJA.

Read the articles. Then, for each article, determine which objective is being challenged, what key points the writer makes, and your thoughts on the article.

Complete the Objectives of the YCJA chart by clicking on one of the links below. Place your completed chart into your Activities folder.

Objectives of the YCJA (Word)
Objectives of the YCJA (pdf)
Objectives of the YCJA (Google Doc)

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Click on the following link to learn about ways having a youth record can affect someone's future.

Note: When you click on the link, scroll down to the heading "Impact of a Youth Record" to find the information you require.

https://www.educaloi.qc.ca/en/capsules/impact-arrest-teens-future

As you read, take notes about how having a youth record can affect an offender's future.

Place your notes into your Activities folder.


A criminal record for youth affects his or her identity and quality of life.  Consider how the quality of life of a young offender would change if this individual was charged and found guilty of a crime according to the Youth Criminal Justice Act compared to an adult who has been charged under the criminal code.

Workbook Summary

In this workbook, you investigated the following questions.

Why is it important to understand Canada's laws?

How does the Youth Criminal Justice Act protect me?

The many laws in Canada are in place to ensure that we are kept safe and are able to live together relatively peaceably. When these laws are broken, there are many consequences. The consequences for breaking a law are different for youths than for adults. Understanding the laws and the consequences of breaking laws is part of being an active and responsible Canadian citizen.

The Youth Criminal Justice Act protects young people who commit crimes. The act ensures that agencies and officials in the justice system provide fair and equitable justice. The main objectives of the act are to reduce crime and provide justice for the youth, for the victims, and for the community.

How the police or the court system determine the consequences for a young offender has an influence on his or her identity and quality of life. Ensuring that youth are given a chance to redeem themselves in as many cases as possible is an important aspect of the YCJA.

In the next workbook, you will explore how citizens have responsibilities in Canada.