The Youth Criminal Justice Act seeks to use the least restrictive means of dealing with youth and this includes diversion from the formal court process where possible. Which social process theory does this model support?

Question

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The Youth Criminal Justice Act's emphasis on diversion from the formal court process aligns with the principles of social reaction (labelling) theory, which argues that the criminal justice system's response to a criminal act often defines and creates deviance. By diverting youth from formal court processes, the Act seeks to prevent labelling and stigmatization and thereby reduce the risks associated with subsequent criminal behaviour.

The Youth Criminal Justice Act Seeks to Use the Least