Under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, a "young person" can be charged with a criminal offence from the ages of?

The correct definition of a "young person" under the Youth Criminal Justice Act specifies that individuals between the ages of 12 and 17 can be charged with a criminal offence. This law is designed to recognize the difference between young people and adults in terms of criminal responsibility, rehabilitation, and punishment. It positions youth within a framework that aims to foster accountability while also promoting a fair approach in handling youth offences.

By defining young people who can be criminally charged in this way, the law focuses on providing appropriate interventions and support rather than solely punitive measures, acknowledging the developmental stage of adolescents. This understanding of youth as individuals who may still be in a formative stage of their lives underscores the emphasis on rehabilitation opportunities rather than harsh penalties typical for adult offenders.

The other age ranges provided do not accurately correspond to the legal definition established by the Youth Criminal Justice Act, which clarifies that the starting age for criminal responsibility is 12, aligning interventions with the age group of 12 to 17.