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Youth Offenders The first Young Offenders Act was introduced in 1984, and changed the judicial system radically for young people. The reasons for introducing this act were primarily to change current views regarding young people and crime in society. But also to provide non-violent young offenders a more fare and lenient system, regarding their age. I plan to show with the following points that young offenders should be punished to reflect the seriousness of their crime and age of the offender. A high percentage of non-violent crimes should have alternative punishments beside incarceration, which will provide a more constructive solution. This view is also much more supported in the Youth Criminal Justice Act. The philosophy of the young offender’s act is outlined in the Declaration of Principle and the core principle of the Youth Criminal Justice Act, which are the due process and the balance between punishment and rehabilitation. Some basic points which is the concrete base of the act are, young people charged with offences should be held responsible and accountable for their actions appropriately according to their age; promotes accountability, responsibility and meaningful consequences for a full range of yout