I think that the Youth Criminal Justice Act in an effective piece of legislation because teens often commit crimes, and in most cases, they think that they can get away with it. The act prevents the teen to commit the same crime again, and it also makes them realize what they have done is wrong. It introduces stiffer sentences and penalties for violent youth crimes and expands the role of rehabilitation programs for non-violent, violent and repeat offenders.
When a youth commits a violent crime, they are usually tried as a minor, but this act states that any youth over the age of 14 accused of a violent crime can be treated and sentenced as an adult. For example if a 14-year-old teenager murders someone, and if they are found guilty of the murder, they can get a stiffer sentence then a minor offender. Most would argue that because of the youth's age, they shouldn't be tried as an adult, but if the crime is severe enough, the youth must face the consequences of his/her actions. Therefore stiffer sentences and penalties for violent youth crimes would possibly stop youth violence, because they would know the penalties for their crimes.
Most of the time, when a youth commits a crime, they get probation. The probation only lasts for a short period of time, and most often then not, the teen will commit the crime again. Therefore if this act expands the role of rehabilitation programs for non-violent, violent and repeat offenders, the teens will be kept in close eye of the law. This Youth Act imposes a period of supervision in the community for youths who serve time in custody; usually equal to the time spent in custody. This would mean that the youth would be less likely to repeat the crime, because they would be kept under supervision.
In the above essay, I have come to the conclusion that the Youth Criminal Justice Act is an effective piece of legislation, and would help out teens stay out of trouble with the law.
