Youth Criminal Justice and Diversion

The video discusses the transition from the Young Offenders Act to the Youth Criminal Justice Act, highlighting the ineffectiveness of short sentences for deterring youth crime. It introduces the concept of diversion, which aims to minimize the impact of criminal law on young people while holding them accountable. The roles of police and Crown prosecutors as gatekeepers of diversion are explained, emphasizing their discretion in handling youth offences. The benefits of diversion for both young people and the justice system are outlined, focusing on resource allocation and reducing recidivism.

What was the main reason the 'short, sharp, shock' approach was deemed ineffective?

• Young people did not understand the consequences.

• It was only used for minor offenses.

• It was not supported by the courts.

• It was too expensive to implement.

What is the primary goal of 'extrajudicial measures' in the Youth Criminal Justice Act?

• To increase the number of youth in detention.

• To minimize the impact of criminal law on young people.

• To ensure all youth offenders are tried in court.

• To eliminate the need for police intervention.

How can police officers respond to young offenders under the diversion system?

• By immediately arresting them.

• By ignoring the offense.

• By giving them a formal warning or referring them to a community program.

• By sending them directly to court.

What is one of the roles of police as gatekeepers in the diversion process?

• To eliminate the need for court trials.

• To ensure all youth are charged.

• To provide a formal warning or caution.

• To decide the final verdict.

What discretion does the Crown prosecutor have in the diversion process?

• To decide the length of the sentence.

• To appoint a defense lawyer for the youth.

• To increase the severity of the charges.

• To divert the young person away from the courtroom.

Why is the diversion process beneficial for the justice system?

• It reduces the workload of judges.

• It reserves resources for more serious offenses.

• It eliminates the need for police officers.

• It increases the number of youth in detention.

What is a potential outcome for most young people who go through the diversion process?

• They will be transferred to adult court.

• They will continue to engage in crime.

• They will eventually desist from engaging in crime.

• They will face longer sentences.

What does the Youth Criminal Justice Act aim to achieve with proportionate responses?

• To ensure responses are proportionate to the harm caused.

• To ensure all youth offenders are tried in court.

• To increase the number of youth in detention.

• To eliminate the need for police intervention.