YCJA: A Federal Law For Teens

The YCJA is a federal law that came into force on April 1st, 2003. It applies to all Canadian youths from ages 12 to 17. The YCJA is an ineffective law as, between Young offender rights and Public safety, Public safety is more significant by a huge margin. For instance, let's look at the “Media Ban” policy and how it doesn’t do enough to ensure public safety. The Media Ban policy “protects” young offenders names, preventing it to be released to the public unless one receives an adult sentence or is a “high” risk to the public. The “Stettler” case is a good example why this policy is inadequate. Three teenagers were charged with sexual assault and confinement of two girls, ages 12 and 13. Even the Principal, of the School those teenagers
went to, wasn’t allowed to know their names. This policy is highly ineffective because it favors young offenders rights too much, Ignoring public safety completely. This policy leaves the public vulnerable by not giving out the names of the young offenders even if a small crime is committed, therefore putting a high risk on the public consequently. Even Though protecting the identity of a young offender is crucial, Protection of all 35 million Canadians is a tenfold more, considering that the value of a collective is more important than an individual. In conclusion, providing rights and freedom for individuals is necessary, as long as the public is safeguarded as well.