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 from 1986 to 1998 violent crimes committed by young people increased by approximately 120% (CITE). The most contentious debate in Canadian history would have 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 more recent version of the Juvenile Delinquents Act (JDA). The aim of the Young Offenders Act was to move from a social welfare approach to making young people take responsibility for their actions. It also addressed concerns that the paternalistic treatment of children under the JDA was not compliant with Canadian human rights legislation (Mapleleaf). The debate remained heated until new legislation passed the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Some thought a complete overhaul was needed, others thought small changes would suffice, and still others thought the Young Offenders Act was best left alone. In February 2002, the House of Commons passed the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA). The Act came into force in April 2003, replacing the Young Offenders (Mapleleaf) Act. The new legislation attempts to balance the legalistic framework of the Young Offenders Act and the social needs approach underpinning the Juvenile Delinquents Act. This objective is evident in the Statement of Principles which states that...