The federal Youth Criminal Justice Act creates a distinct criminal justice framework for young persons. It incorporates many Criminal Code rules where they are not inconsistent, but adds youth-specific principles emphasizing proportionate accountability, rehabilitation, reintegration, privacy and appropriate use of extrajudicial measures.
Primary legislation and official process sources checked October 5, 2026. Criminal law and court procedure can change; verify the current source before relying on a provision or deadline.
Who the YCJA covers
The Act applies to young persons as defined by federal law and creates a separate Youth Justice Court process.
- young person
- age at offence
- Youth Justice Court
Extrajudicial measures
Warnings, cautions, referrals and extrajudicial sanctions can address some youth offending outside a full court prosecution.
- police discretion
- referral
- extrajudicial sanction
Youth bail
Criminal Code interim-release provisions apply subject to YCJA modifications and youth-specific detention rules.
- release
- detention limits
- responsible person
Privacy and records
The YCJA restricts publication of identifying information and governs who may access youth records and for how long.
- publication
- access period
- record handling
Youth sentencing
Youth sentences use a distinct statutory purpose focused on accountability through meaningful consequences and rehabilitation and reintegration.
- proportionality
- community sanctions
- custody and supervision
Official and authoritative sources
- Justice Canada — Youth Criminal Justice Act
- Courts of Nova Scotia — Provincial Court
- Nova Scotia Legal Aid — Criminal Law Resources