Author: Sun Media
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?199 (Mandatory Minimum Sentencing)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

TORIES SET TO CRACK DOWN ON YOUNG OFFENDERS

Children under 12 who engage in criminal acts would no longer escape
the long arm of the law under a revamped youth justice act.

Calling the current legislation a "failure," Conservative Justice
Minister Vic Toews said the legal system should have some
jurisdiction over even the youngest law-breakers.

"I'm not suggesting that we put them in prison or do anything. But
the fact that (the courts) have no jurisdiction, the street gangs
understand that very clearly," he said in an interview with Sun Media.

"These young children are being used for break-and-enters, for drug
couriers. So they're becoming involved in a life of crime at a very
early age, and becoming seasoned criminals even before they become
eligible to be charged or disciplined under the Youth Criminal Justice Act."

The Conservative election platform vowed to hold youth criminals to
account to their victims and community and to provide "effective
punishment" for adolescents who commit serious crimes, instill a
sense of responsibility and give them better opportunities for rehabilitation.

The plan also called for offenders 14 years or older charged with a
serious violent or repeat offence to be automatically subject to
adult sentencing provisions, and an amendment to include deterrence
and denunciation as mandatory sentencing principles.

Toews said proposed changes will also reflect the fact that children
under 12 who commit crimes should no longer be left to child welfare agencies.