NCJ Number
163913
Journal
Forum on Corrections Research Volume: 7 Issue: 1 Dated: January 1995 Pages: 43-45
Date Published
January 1995
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Canada's Young Offenders Act is examined from a correctional policy perspective and in relation to the presumptive transfer of young offenders to adult court, an increase in the maximum youth court sentence for murder, and expanded access to young offender criminal records.
Abstract
Proposed amendments have the potential to radically change the Young Offenders Act. One amendment suggests that serious personal injury offenses should be dealt with in adult court, unless the young offender can demonstrate the juvenile justice system provides an adequate response. This change may significantly alter the flow of young offenders into the adult correctional system. Another amendment proposes lengthening the maximum youth court sentence for murder from 5 to 10 years and increasing the period of parole ineligibility for young offenders who receive a life sentence in adult court. Still another amendment recommends increasing the length of time young offender records are available to authorities, primarily to facilitate police criminal investigations and correctional staff understanding of offender risks and needs. The impact of the proposed amendments is evaluated in the context of public concern about crime, and the importance of sensitivity on the part of policymakers to blurring the lines between juvenile and adult justice systems is stressed. 2 references