YOUTH'S KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES ABOUT THE YOUNG OFFENDERS ACT: DOES ANYONE CARE WHAT THEY THINK? (FROM YOUTH INJUSTICE: CANADIAN PERSPECTIVES, P 75-83, 1993, THOMAS O'REILLY-FLEMING, BARRY CLARK, EDS. -- SEE NCJ-148261)

• NCJ Number: 148266
• Author(s): P G Jaffe; A D W Leschied; J L Farthing
• Date Published: 1993
• Length: 9 pages
• Sale Source: Canadian Scholars Press
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: Canada

Annotation

This study examines the knowledge and attitudes regarding the Young Offenders Act (YOA) among a group of young persons who, by virtue of their age (12-18), are affected by the legislation.

Abstract

A 12-item questionnaire was given to 351 students drawn from one elementary and one secondary school in London, Ontario. The questions were designed to elicit knowledge and attitudes regarding the philosophy of the YOA and where this information was obtained. Based on the results of this study, the authors believe that legislators may need to find a consultative process for adolescents to provide a perspective on laws that have a direct impact on their lives. Although laws may not be tailored to please young persons. their voices should be heard and consideration given to their ideas. Tables, endnotes