SIPP Public Policy Papers 20

Abstract

Few issues in Canada have stirred public debate as has youth crime. Over the last decade and more, cries for a more punitive focus to our statutory young offender law have been frequently, and loudly, heard from those wishing to “get tough” on young offenders. The obvious answer to youth crime, from this perspective, is increasing the level of punishment within the youth system. Hence, more frequent and longer sentences of custody are said to be the answer. Others, however, view this punitive focus as narrow minded, and urge a more balanced and broad based view of youth crime and justice. Advocates of the latter view focus more on the root causes of youth crime, and often suggest a very different solution to the problems faced.