Young Offenders in Canada

Learners will analyze youth crime in Canada including the historical development of Canada's juvenile justice and child protection systems. The course focuses on the legal framework established by the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the impact of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and other international human rights standards. Learners will also examine the objectives pursued by the criminal justice system in relation to prevailing scientific and popular explanations of juvenile deviance and delinquency. The relative effectiveness of the youth justice system in preventing and responding to crime is also considered. The role of each branch of the criminal justice system and its interaction with young offenders will be compared and contrasted.

This course is only open to students who have been admitted to the Diploma of Law Enforcement Studies. Please see the LESD program page for more information, and for instructions on how to apply to the program.