Youth Justice Court
Youth Justice Court is the specialized court that hears criminal matters involving young persons (12 to 17 at the time of the alleged offence) under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. In Ontario, Youth Justice Court is part of the Ontario Court of Justice, with designated youth courtrooms, dedicated youth judges, and specialized Crown and probation services. The court applies modified procedures and sentencing rules appropriate to the youth context.
Mass Tsang's criminal lawyers handle Youth Justice Court matters across the GTA, with attention to both the immediate criminal exposure and the longer arc of the young person's development.
Jurisdiction
Youth Justice Court has jurisdiction over: all offences alleged to have been committed by a young person, regardless of severity (subject to adult sentence applications under section 64 of the YCJA); breaches of youth sentences and orders; and youth bail proceedings. The court continues to have jurisdiction over a young person even after they turn 18, where the alleged conduct occurred while they were under 18 — though some procedural rules adjust.
Procedural differences from adult court
Youth Justice Court differs from adult court in several important ways: parents or guardians may attend and participate in proceedings (sections 25 and 26); the right to counsel is more extensive — duty counsel and Legal Aid are readily available, and the court can appoint counsel for any young person who is unrepresented; pre-sentence reports are more elaborate and emphasize rehabilitation; the court is often more attentive to social and contextual factors; and proceedings are closed to the public in some configurations to protect the young person's privacy.
Sentencing in Youth Justice Court
Youth sentences differ structurally from adult sentences. Available dispositions include: judicial reprimand; absolute or conditional discharge; fine (limited amounts); compensation, restitution, or community service; probation (up to 2 years); intensive support and supervision; attendance at a non-residential program; deferred custody and supervision; custody and supervision orders (with a portion served in custody, the remainder in the community under supervision); and intensive rehabilitative custody and supervision for the most serious cases. Custodial sentences are reserved for the categories listed in section 39(1) of the YCJA.
Custody facilities
Custodial sentences for youth are served in youth detention centres — not adult institutions. Ontario operates youth-specific facilities under the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. Programming emphasizes education, mental health support, and reintegration planning. Conditions are generally less harsh than provincial adult facilities, though detention remains a serious sanction.
Records and reintegration
Youth records have time-limited access. Access ends after defined periods (depending on offence and disposition) and the records become permanently sealed. The framework supports reintegration — youthful convictions do not follow the person into adulthood the same way adult convictions do. Specific consequences (immigration, professional licensing, U.S. travel) can still apply, but the standard background-check footprint diminishes substantially.
Related glossary terms
