How Does The YCJA Differ From Adult Criminal Offences?

The YCJA differs from the Criminal Code in several ways. For example:

Under the YCJA, young people are afforded greater protection. For example, a young person is entitled to have his or her parent(s) or legal counsel present during a police interview;
Young persons are entitled to special provisions for retaining legal counsel. When a young person is denied Legal Aid, he may nevertheless be eligible to obtain a court order for a Legal Aid certificate to hire a lawyer;
The courts look to incarceration as a very last resort with young persons.

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