Cases Considered: R. v. T.W.T., 2008 ABCA 306; R. v. Williams, 2008 ABCA 317.
PDF Version: Sentencing under the Youth Criminal Justice Act: Are Kids Really Getting Away with Murder?
The Youth Criminal Justice Act, S.C. 2002, c. 1 (YCJA), has been the subject of a great deal of comment and discussion in recent months. Critics argue that the legislation does not adequately respond to youth crime, and the Conservative government has proposed an overhaul of the Act (see http://www.conservative.ca/EN/1091/106115). In the spring, Justice Minister Rob Nicholson toured the country conducting roundtable discussions with stakeholders, seeking feedback on the need to tighten bail provisions and impose automatic adult sentences for youth found guilty of serious and violent crime and repeat offences.