Youth Justice Court

The Youth Justice Court is part of the Provincial Court of B.C. and deals with criminal cases involving youth aged 12 to 17. Cases are presented before a judge. If you plead guilty, you may be sentenced by the judge. If you plead not guilty, a trial occurs. At the trial, a judge listens to the evidence and then decides whether you are or guilty or not guilty. If the judge decides you are guilty, the judge will determine a sentence that is fair and according to the principles of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Court Proceedings

In general, court proceedings are the same for youth as for adults. To learn more, see the following parts of How the Criminal Justice System Works:

• The Trial
• Testifying in Court
• Preparing for Court
• Courtroom Layout
• People in Court
• Courtroom Conduct