The Act went into force April 1, 2003
Because Canadian young persons are so influenced by the US television and film versions of criminal law trials, they have very little understanding of actual Canadian trial procedure. They need to have a better understanding of prosecutions in the name of the Queen, the role of the Crown Attorney, the role of a defence lawyer, their right to silence and their right not to give evidence in their own trial. Canadian court proceedings are quiet, subtle and not as intense as US television court proceedings. Things aren't black and white. Court takes a long time.
Most young persons are not completely aware of how the court trial procedures are like in Canada. Our educational system does not teach enough about the trial procedures. More should be presented and explained in the educational system so that young individuals can look at the trial procedures in more colour.
It should almost be compulsory for kids to take law in high school. Since we live in such an Americanized culture, there are few opportunities for young people to learn about the Canadian Justice system.
Note from the Editor: Have you watched the new CBC TV series: This is Wonderland?
Children need to know a lot more about Canadian court proceedings as well as parents of young offenders do. There is not enough information out there for most people dealing with this system for the 1st time to know what to do and what not to. let alone how long it takes and who plays what role in their and their child's future.
Too True Too True your absolutely right rock right on!!
You are completely wrong, I am a high school student, and I am learning about Canadian trial procedures in my grade 11 Canadian Law class.
Young people definitely need to be better informed on the trial procedures. As a grade 12 law student, on the first day of class, my teacher asked what we knew about the trials and other law related issues. Almost everything brought up by the class had to do with Judge Judy. It was kind of sad, really.
Can a young offender have the choice to be tried by a judge and jury or just a judge?
I'm in grade 11, and at my school we have law classes. It's up to the student to take it. If we are talking about 10 yr olds not getting anything about the law, then something should be done.
Man I know lots about Canadian law even before I took law class this year, and my friends know even more than me b/c they have to go to court
Right to silence? That is a joke. ALL levels of law view a suspects silence as an indication of guilt as at least as "an unco-operative individual" who is trying to hide something
Shit, most ADULTS do not an understanding of Canadian trial procedure. It seems the legal machine has an agenda to complicate and mystify the whole system as a means of perpetuating the cash flow for all involved in "defending the public interests"
I WANT TO HELP...... I am a 23 year old woman looking to help. I came on this web to find a way to make my dream of helping these troubled young people anyway I possibly could. I am currently getting ready to start a course in school but thought there would be Something, Anything I could do NOW! Do you have any suggestions?? With MUCH CONCERN
I am not sure about other high schools, but mine did not have a LAW class. Sure we discussed and debated some legal issues in English, and Politics such as "Capital Punishment" but we never reviewed even the basics of the Canadian Justice System. Canadians should be taught about the country, at a level far before university/college, becuase those that needs it most cannot afford the skyrocketing university/college tuitions. This is definitly something that should be included at a early high school level, and it should be compulsory. AND WHILE WE ARE AT IT... WE MIGHT AS WELL TEACH THEM ABOUT CANADIAN POLITICS... IN AN ATTEMPT TO GET YOUNG PEOPLE TO VOTE~!!!!