British Columbia Basic Security Training (BC BST) Practice Exam 2025

What age range does the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) apply to?

1. 10-15 years old

2. 12-17 years old

3. 15-20 years old

4. 18-25 years old

The correct answer is: 12-17 years old

The Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) applies to individuals between the ages of 12 and 17 years old. This age range is significant because it reflects the understanding that young people, specifically those within this bracket, may have different capacities for understanding their actions and consequences compared to adults. The law emphasizes rehabilitation and reintegration of youth into society rather than punishment, recognizing their potential for growth and change. The age limit begins at 12 because children younger than this are typically considered too young to be held criminally responsible under Canadian law. The upper limit being 17 aligns with the recognition that young people transition into adulthood at 18, at which point different legal considerations apply. Thus, the age range of 12 to 17 captures the group intended to benefit from the provisions of the YCJA, making it the correct choice.