What role do Canadian citizens and organizations play
in the fairness and equity of Canada’s justice system for
youth?
What are we looking for?
 There are many roles and responsibilities citizens have
in the justice system. Specifically:
 Following all provincial and federal laws.
 Becoming a juror and being a responsible juror.
 Justice advocacy groups have certain roles.
 Aboriginal Elders have important roles too.
 You are going to discover that there are many opinions
on the justice system and possible ways to reduce
crime.
Introduction
 Jury duty can be traced back to the ancient Athenian
society of Greece more than 2000 years ago. It was
based on the principle that having multiple people
participating in decisions will yield a fair decision. Jury
duty has evolved greatly since ancient Athens;
however, it still holds the same basic principle of
fairness in legal matters today.
Introduction
 Specifically, for youth justice in Canada, a jury can be
selected when a serious crime is being dealt with in the
courts.
 People who are on a jury are known as jurors. In
Canada, all adult Canadian citizens can be selected for
jury duty. By law, if you are selected, you must
participate. This is an example of one responsibility of
being a citizen in Canada.
Fair and Equitable
 It is mandatory to participate if you have been selected for
duty. The effectiveness of jury decisions depends on
citizens taking this responsibility seriously.
 As a youth, you may not be able to participate in jury duty
yet, but understanding this responsibility will prepare you
as you become a more active citizen in Canada.
 The importance that is placed on jury duty in Canada
reflects fairness and equity in the youth justice system.
What responsibilities do jurors
have?
 Citizens are randomly selected for duty, and it is considered
to be responsibility of citizens to fulfill this duty.
 If you are summoned for duty, it is your responsibility to
arrive promptly, make any work and home arrangements,
to appear in court on time, and give your undivided
attention.
 Employers MUST give you time off for duty, but don’t have
to pay you. People can be excused from duty ONLY IF they
can demonstrate it would cause hardship.
What responsibilities do jurors
have?
 Under the YCJA, persons 14 or older can choose to be
tried by a judge and jury for offenses such as assault or
murder.
 For these offences, juries have 12 people and all 12
MUST agree unanimously.
 In order to be eligible for jury duty, you must be 18 and
older, a Canadian citizen, and can speak French or
English. There are some exceptions. For example,
people who have convicted of some crimes can not
participate.
Words to know…
 DEFENCE:
 Includes the evidence that support the innocence of the
accused person. A lawyer presents the defence on
behalf of the accused. This can include witnesses, DNA,
and objects.
 PROSECUTION:
 Includes the evidence that supports the guilt of an
accused person.
Words to know…
 SEQUESTER:
 Means to remove from contact. Jury members are
sequestered to ensure they consider only the evidence
presented in the courtroom.
 OATH:
 Jurors swear an oath to use only the evidence and the
law to reach a verdict.
Let’s think critically…
 Write a thoughtful paragraph on each of the following:
 1. What advantages and disadvantages might a jury
have for an accused person?
 2. To what extent are rules for jury duty fair and
equitable in your opinion? Are there factors you need
to consider?
On Jury Duty
 Read pages 80 and 81. With a partner, read, discuss
and write thoughtful answers to the questions at the
bottom of page 81.
 What are the benefits of jury duty?
 Jurors actively participate in justice
 Individuals are judged by peersJurors are impartial when
deciding on a verdict.
Advocacy Groups
 An advocate is a person who supports or speaks up on
behalf of someone else. This is another way people can get
involved in our justice system.
 In Canada, we have two major advocacy groups that work
in the justice system: The John Howard Society Elizabeth
Fry Society.
 These advocacy groups are an important part of our justice
system. They believe that crime prevention and control is
as much a responsibility of the community as it is of
government. They help to ensure youth justice is fair.
Assignment
 Let’s look at their websites:
Elizabeth Fry Society
John Howard Society
 Read pages 82 and 83. Based on what you have read:
 1. Explain what advocacy groups are and what they do.
 2. Answer the BTQ on pg. 83.
What role do Elders have?
 Within the YCJA, there are Youth Criminal Justice Committees.
These committees exist where volunteers agree to work with
young offenders.
 These committees are similar to sentencing circles that take
place in some Aboriginal communities.
 The committees act on the idea that breaking the law affects
everyone in the community, so the community must be involved
in solutions.
 As respected members of the community, Elders play a vital role
in this approach to justice.
Thinking critically…
 Read the speech bubbles from Elder Rita Auger and
Darrell Anderson Gerrtis on pages 84 and 85. Create a
reflection chart like the one below:
What role do Elders have in the justice system?
Quote, Phrase or Key
Word
Reflection
“Culture is the root of our
identity.” pg 84
I can identify with this
statement. My culture is a
part of who I am.
 What is it like in court? Let’s check it out!
 Let's go to court!
How does Canada’s justice
system protect you as a citizen?
 Fairness and equity are at the core of the justice system. As
a youth, you are protected by the Youth Criminal Justice
Act, which is intended to treat youth differently than adults
in the justice system. This is considered fair and equitable
for youth.
 Find your pre-reading chart on youth crime in Canada.
Let’s discover what your thoughts are now.
 As well, citizens in Canada have the opportunity to be
actively involved in the justice system. Participating in the
justice system is a citizen’s responsibility. This includes
being involved in jury duty and actively participating in
advocacy groups.
 You will use this knowledge of the justice system to build
your understanding of ensuring the rights and freedoms of
all Canadians.
Reflect and Review
Answer the following question in a thoughtful way:
To what extent is the justice system fair and
equitable for youth?
Take into consideration:
 Key perspectives
 How this connects to citizenship, identity, and quality of
life
 Describe your current position. Include evidence.
 Describe how you could make a difference.