By the end of this chapter, you should be able to: LO1 Describe the evolution of youth justice legislation in CanadaLO2 Describe the philosophy of the Youth Criminal Justice ActLO3 Define extra-judicial measures and identify their significance in the Youth Criminal Justice ActLO4 Identify the sentencing options available under the Youth Criminal Justice Act LO5 Identify the rate of youth crime in Canada LO6 Examine issues related to young female offenders, Aboriginal young offenders, and youth gangs in Canada

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LEARNING OBJECTIVES

There are far fewer females in conflict with the law than males. The overall rate of female offending is one quarter that of males.

For female youths however, this number has been increasing.

The age of criminal activity peaks at age 15, where males peaks at age 17

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FEMALE YOUNG OFFENDERS

LO6

Like adult Aboriginal persons, Aboriginal youth are over-represented in the criminal justice system.

The incarceration rate is 64.5 per 100,000 compared to the non-Aboriginal rate of 8.2 per 100,000

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ABORIGINAL YOUTHS

LO6

All gang-related homicides are classified as first degree murder

In 2009, one in five homicides were gang-related

About half of youth gang members are under the age of 18

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YOUTH GANGS IN CANADA

LO6