YCJA: A Federal Law For Teens

The YCJA is a federal law that came into force on April 1st, 2003. It applies to all Canadian youths from ages 12 to 17. The YCJA is an ineffective law as, between Young offender rights and Public safety, Public safety is more significant by a huge margin. For instance, let's look at the “Media Ban” policy and how it doesn’t do enough to ensure public safety. The Media Ban policy “protects” young offenders names, preventing it to be released to the public unless one receives an adult sentence or is a “high” risk to the public. The “Stettler” case is a good example why this policy is inadequate. Three teenagers were charged with sexual assault and confinement of two girls, ages 12 and 13. Even the Principal, of the School those teenagers