Youth crime is a growing epidemic that affects most adolescents at some point in their lives. There is no doubt in society whether young people commit crimes or not. It has been shown that between 1986 and 1998, violent crimes committed by youth increased by approximately 120% (CITE). The most controversial debate in Canadian history is expected to be over the Young Offenders Act (YOA). In 1982, Parliament passed the Young Offenders Act (YOA). In force since 1984, the Young Offenders Act replaced the most recent version of the Young Offenders Act (JDA). The objective of the Young Offenders Act was to move from a social protection approach to one that held young people accountable for their actions. He also addressed concerns that the paternalistic treatment of children under the JDA was not consistent with Canadian human rights legislation (Mapleleaf). The debate remained heated until new legislation was passed, the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Some thought a complete overhaul was necessary, others thought minor changes would suffice, and still others felt the Young Offenders Act was best left as it is. In February 2002, the House of Commons passed the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA). The Act came into force in April 2003 and replaces the Young Offenders Act (Mapleleaf). The new law attempts to balance the legalistic framework of the Young Offenders Act and the social needs-based approach that underpins the Young Offenders Act. This objective is apparent in the Declaration of Principle stating that...