Public Perception of Crime and Justice in Canada: A Review of Opinion Polls

Figure 8: How offenders between the ages of 12 and 17 should be tried

Figure 8 illustrates respondents’ opinions on how offenders between the ages of 12 and 17 should be tried.

The x axis represents the different years, 1991, 1994 and 1998. Each year is divided by 3 sub-categories: similar to adults, special provisions and no opinion.

The y axis is measured in percentages from 0 to 70, in increments of 10.

In 1998, 57% of respondents felt that accused youth between ages 12-17 should be tried in courts similar to adult courts, 38% were in favor of special provisions and approximately 6% had no opinion. In 1994, 59% of respondents felt that accused youth should be tried similar to adults, and 32% felt youth should be tried with special provisions and 10% had no opinion. In 1991, approximately 58% of respondents felt that accused youth should be tried similar to adults, 57% felt they should be tried with special provisions and approximately 5% had no opinion.

Source: Gallup, 1998.