Young Offenders and the Youth Criminal Justice Act

1. How old do you have to be to be accused of a crime?

Correct answer!

In Canada, teens 12 and older can be held responsible if they commit a crime. This is called criminal liability. This means that teens can be arrested, accused of a crime and go to court.
Before age 12, children will not be accused of a crime if they do something wrong. But if they’re old enough to tell right from wrong, they could still face consequences. For example, they could have to pay for the harm they caused. This is called civil liability, and it generally starts around the age of 7.

For more information: Responsibility for Crimes: Age 12 and Up.

Wrong answer!

In Canada, teens 12 and older can be held responsible if they commit a crime. This is called criminal liability. This means that teens can be arrested, accused of a crime and go to court.
Before age 12, children will not be accused of a crime if they do something wrong. But if they’re old enough to tell right from wrong, they could still face consequences. For example, they could have to pay for the harm they caused. This is called civil liability, and it generally starts around the age of 7.

For more information: Responsibility for Crimes: Age 12 and Up.