Registration for Upcoming Exam

Students are required to register for the upcoming exam on the designated date, which is next Tuesday.

Registration must be completed through a Google Form link that has been provided in class. This link is crucial to ensure that all students are accounted for and can access their exam materials efficiently.

Midterm and Assignments

The teaching assistant is currently in the process of grading the midterm papers; as such, grades are not yet available and students are encouraged to be patient during this period.

The recent assignment that students have completed carries a weight of 10% of their overall grade.

• To maximize scores, it is advisable to submit assignments on time; submissions made by 11:59 PM today will receive full credit (9%). If submitted by tomorrow, the score will drop to 8%, highlighting the importance of early submission. Continued delays will further reduce the score, emphasizing that early submission can grant students more study time for their finals.

Final Exam Details

The final exam is scheduled to take place on April 18 at noon in the Regent Theater, a location chosen for its accessibility to students.

The format of the exam will include a mix of possible multiple-choice questions, short answers, and a lecture topic-choice section, which will allow students to demonstrate their understanding of chosen concepts.

Students who are under the Support and Accessibility Services (SAS) policies will take the exam in a designated test center to accommodate their needs.

It is mandatory for all students to bring official identification (IDs) for verification at the exam entrance, ensuring a smooth check-in process.

Upcoming Class Updates

There will be no in-person class scheduled next week due to an award ceremony, which will honor faculty achievements and contributions to the academic community.

The instructor has been nominated for a mentorship award, reflecting their dedication and impact on students' academic journeys.

Consequently, classes will shift to an online format for the week, with an exchange of lecture content accordingly to ensure continuity in learning.

Lecture Topic Overview

Today's lecture will focus on Youth Offending and the associated public beliefs about youth crime, an important topic in understanding the complexities of juvenile behavior.

Notable crime concepts discussed in this lecture will include youth violence, societal leniency in punishment, and emerging trends in female adolescent crime, aimed at fostering a well-rounded discussion among students.

Youth Crime Sentencing Laws

The law dictates that youth under the age of 12 cannot be charged with crimes; instead, they are governed by child welfare regulations that prioritize their development and wellbeing.

Youth aged 12 to 18 are subjected to the Youth Criminal Justice Act, which outlines various processes and protections.

A historical overview of youth crime legislation reveals that prior to the 1900s, children were treated as adults in the justice system.

In 1908, Canada introduced the Juvenile Delinquency Act, acknowledging the developmental differences between children and adults, thereby emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment.

This was later replaced in 1984 by the Young Offenders Act, which further emphasized cognitive differences from adults.

The current legal framework, the Youth Criminal Justice Act (2003), aims not only to keep youth out of court but also to focus on rehabilitation and community-based solutions rather than punitive measures.

Cumulative Principles of Sentencing

Courts consider a multitude of factors during the sentencing of youth, including age, mental capacity, and the nature of the crime committed, which can lead to more individualized approaches to justice.

Cases involving youth with severe criminal histories may influence court decisions regarding the severity of sentencing, highlighting the system's capacity for flexibility based on individual circumstances.

Statistics About Youth Offending

Research shows that crime generally decreases with age. The 'age crime curve' indicates notable spikes in criminal activity during adolescence, often associated with various social influences and developmental changes.

Youth offenders typically commit less serious crimes compared to adults, which can skew public perception of youth crime rates.

Recent crime statistics indicate a significant decrease in youth crime over the past few decades, challenging widespread public beliefs about rising youth criminality.

Discussion on Treating Youth Offenders

In the discussion surrounding youth offenders, various interventions will be considered:

• Primary prevention focuses on preventing crime before it occurs through community engagement and educational programs designed to inform youths about the consequences of crime.

• Secondary intervention targets at-risk youths to reduce the frequency of crime by providing them with support and resources to make better life decisions, thus lowering the risk of offending.

• Tertiary prevention seeks to address the needs of youths who have already been involved in the criminal justice system, aiming to reduce recidivism and facilitate reintegration into society.

Emphasis will also be placed on teaching conflict resolution skills, fostering resilience among youths, and promoting community support networks as vital intervention strategies that can positively impact youth behavior.

Youth Offending Risk Factors

Several factors contribute to a youth's likelihood of offending, categorized as follows:

• Individual Factors: Negative attitudes, impulsivity, and previous behavioral issues which can lead to criminal activity.

• Family Factors: Poor parenting practices, family discord, and parental involvement in antisocial or criminal behavior significantly increase the risk of youth offending.

Protective measures that may mitigate these risks include informed and educated engagement, access to positive role models, supportive family structures, and community interventions designed to uplift and empower youths, creating safer and more nurturing environments for development.