National Adult Literacy Database

This document was produced in response to the invitation to participate in the Phase II Review of the Young Offenders Act (YOA) undertaken by the Standing Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs at the request of the Minister of Justice.

This brief reviews what the authors think are the most important issues in criminal justice today: the tendency of legislators to misinterpret public attitudes and the belief that "get-tough" legislation will satisfy those who think that deterrence is more important than rehabilitation in youth corrections. The authors argue that the moderation reflected in the "Declaration of Principles" section of the YOA are good and that these principles must be protected through public education.

A companion document, Background Information, Analysis and Positions, was submitted separately to provide further clarification of the various issues and positions taken with respect to the policy and practice of juvenile justice in Canada.