NCJ Number
151543
Journal
Canadian Criminal Justice Association Bulletin Dated: (September 15, 1994) Pages: 2-8
Date Published
1994
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Comments offered by the Canadian Criminal Justice Association (CCJA) on proposed amendments to Canada's Young Offenders Act (YOA) are critical of the changes.
Abstract
The CCJA feels that C-37, Act to Amend the Young Offenders Act and Criminal Code, represents a piecemeal proposal that responds more to political expediency than to criminal justice concerns. The CCJA recommends that the YOA amendments be carefully considered, particularly the proposal that penalties for violent juvenile offenders be increased. In the CCJA's view, increased penalties will not reduce juvenile violence or recidivism. Further, the CCJA believes that the YOA amendments do not provide needed resources for delinquency prevention, public education, and community-based rehabilitation. The CCJA also contends that the review of C-37 represents an opportunity to make positive changes in the administration of juvenile justice in Canada. Recommendations are offered to improve the YOA that focus on funding, alternative diversion measures, disposition case advocacy, transfer proceedings for youths under 16 years of age, mandatory presumption in sex and assault cases, burden of proof, right to jury trial in murder cases, custody orders, and foster home orders. 8 notes