On April 1, 2003, the federal Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) replaced the federal Young Offenders Act (YOA). The YCJA applies to federal and criminal code offences.

The NWT has a Youth Justice Act which applies when a young person aged 12-17 is alleged to have committed an offence under a territorial statute or municipal by-law. This Act came into effect on April 1, 2004. The Youth Justice Act  largely duplicates the federal Youth Criminal Justice Act.

This section contains information and external links pertaining to Youth Justice in the NWT and Canada.

• Department of Justice Canada - Youth Criminal Justice Act - Introduction to Legislation.
• News Release - The Youth Justice Act introduced by Minister of Justice Roger Allen.
• Youth Criminal Justice Act (Canada) Pocket Guide - An NWT pocket guide designed to summarize the changes brought about by the implementation of the new act.
• Conferencing Guidelines - Youth Criminal Justice Act - A tool for guiding the use of conferences in the NWT.
• External links for further information concerning Youth Justice.