The Young Offenders Act, A Continuing Debate :: essays research papers fc

The Young Offenders Act A Continuing Debate There is no question in society as to whether or not young people are committing crime. In fact, since "1986 to 1998 violent crime committed by youth jumped approximately 120%." The Young Offenders Act is a heated debate in today’s society, and one of the most controversial Acts in Canadian history since it was introduced in 1984. Some people think a complete overhaul is needed, others think minor changes would suffice, still others feel it is best left alone. Youth crime is a tough issue, with many differing opinions. Punishment and rehabilitation, one, the other, or both, all topics of debate within society. If you were to discuss the issues with the parents of a victim, it would be understandable that their opinions would differ greatly than those of the parents of the offender. Many people have formed an opinion without an in depth look at the act. Others simply do not care. The question that needs to be answered is, does the Young Offenders Act in Canada properl y address the victims' rights, the rights and needs of the young offender, and does it protect public safety? That question is hard to answer, as some people think that the Act is a more decent and humane way to approach young persons in trouble with the law. On the other hand others feel it offers too much protection to those whom least deserve it -- the young offenders, and very little to those who deserve it -- the victims. I think the Young Offenders Act should concentrate on making young offenders aware that they will be held responsible and accountable for their behaviour. To begin, it must be understood that the Young Offenders Act is a replacement piece of legislature for the outdated Juvenile Delinquents Act. The Juvenile Delinquents act was enacted in 1908, and was replaced by the Young offenders Act on April 2, 1984. The Juvenile Delinquents Act was a part of legislature that focused mainly on parental and social welfare of the child. It dealt with children as young as seven years of age regarding not only criminal behaviour but also sexual immortality. The Juvenile Delinquents Act allowed for many different courses of action for any child that was found to have delinquent behaviour. Placements in an industrial school for an indefinite period of time, committed to the children’s aid society, or placed in a foster home were all available options under the Juvenile Delinquents Act.