CRIM 210 Chapter Notes - Chapter 8: Young Offenders Act, Labeling Theory, Crown Attorney
Document Summary
Youth"s involvement w/ justice system begins w/ police investigation to determine whether offence has taken place. Police/crown has option in most provinces to divert youth from courts through extrajudicial measures provisions in ycja. Diversionary programs became more formalized w/ ycja. While yoa provided for diversionary programs & regulations around their use, ycja also encourages police to consider issuing warning for first time offenders involved in non-violent offences. As result of diversionary programs, if youth successfully completes extrajudicial measures program, his/her involvement w/ js ends. Diversion - practice based on philosophy that justice, rehabilitation, reintegration are better served by keeping most ppl out of formal justice system. Young person"s involvement in js may begin w/ police contact in public setting/with complaint laid by parents/school authorities/someone who has been victimized. Majority of youth crime comes to police attention through complaints. Police have considerable amount of discretion in making decisions about how to proceed w/ youth who are suspected/accused.