NCJ Number
155955
Journal
Justice Report Volume: 11 Issue: 1 Dated: (1995) Pages: 15-18
Date Published
1995
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Canada's Young Offenders Act centers on the strength of societal reactions to crime, but it is unclear on accountability and responsibility principles for juvenile offenders.
Abstract
At issue are whether juvenile offenders should be held more accountable, the level of parental responsibility, and whether the juvenile justice system should function for social defense or retribution. Other issues of concern in the handling of juvenile offenders focus on deterrence, punishment, rehabilitation, and the contribution of socioeconomic factors to juvenile crime. The trend of transferring serious juvenile cases to adult courts is expected to continue in Canada, although the effect may be to reduce the incidence of juvenile delinquency and to increase adult crime. The author contends that toughening criminal sanctions against juvenile offenders will be meaningless except for the best paid segments of the crime control industry whose income is likely to increase.