youth criminal justice act
...tighter official outline by introducing the Young Offenders Act. This put the responsibility of an offence on the offender and allowed them to be charged with specific charges. Of course society wasn’t satisfied and the Young Offenders Act attracted more strong criticism, such as complaints accusing the act of being too gentle and too lenient. On April 1st, 2003, almost fifteen years later, the Young Offenders Act was again revised and modified, written and rewritten over and over again. The new act is now referred to as the Youth Criminal Justice Act. “More serious offenders could receive adult sentences or sentences of custody. Less serious offenders will be dealt with through measures outside the court process or be subject to constructive community-based sentences or alternatives.” (Department of Justice Canada) “The government has introduced tough new legislation that takes a harsh line with violence and forces parents to take more responsibility for their children’s behaviour.” (Department of Justice Canada) This act does not suggest making it harder on youth criminals, it is hoped that this act will hold them more responsible for their actions and put more stress on protecting society. The Youth Criminal Justice Act also forces parents to take the courts decisions seriously. For example, if given the authority to supervise their child under house arrest or other such alternatives, that they do exactly that… take charge and watch them. If the child under their custody commits a crime while in their control, the parent can receive more of a jail term now. Since the act was put to work, youth in Canada being con...