LAWS 2018 ‑ Youth and the Law

CREDIT HOURS: 3

Youth and the Law 3-credit seminar is a major paper course. Youth and the Law will focus on youth criminal justice and the Youth Criminal Justice Act. The course aims to provide students with an understanding of both the governing philosophy of the Youth Criminal Justice Act and its unique statutory framework. There will also be an emphasis on ethical and practical considerations in dealing with young persons as clients and witnesses. The course will be taught by a Crown attorney with Nova Scotia’s Public Prosecution Services and a defence lawyer with Legal Aid who both practice in the area of youth criminal justice. Students can expect to gain an in-depth understanding of the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Arrest, pre-trial detention, evidentiary rules, privacy rights, records retention, accountability, extra-judicial measures, and sentencing principles will all be discussed. Students can expect to attend court to see youth proceedings and guest appearances from professionals working in the youth criminal justice system.

Prerequisite(s):;None.
Co-requisite(s): None.
Assessment Method: Major paper, supplemented by other assignments and class participation.
Restrictions: None.